AGCO Fines Relax Gaming & Arrise Solutions for Supplying Unregulated Sites

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that it has fined two of its supplier licensees over their provision of content to unlicensed websites. The companies in question include Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions, both of which will have to pay a monetary penalty of CAD 40,000.

The Two Suppliers Violated Ontario’s Rules

According to the AGCO, an investigation concluded that some of the two suppliers’ games appeared on websites that were not licensed in Ontario, but were available to local players nevertheless.

Since the Canadian province boasts a strict regulatory framework, under which only licensed operators are allowed to offer gaming, unregulated ones operate in breach of the local law. As a result, suppliers are prohibited from offering content to websites that target Ontario even though they don’t possess a license.

The AGCO emphasized that both Relax and Arrise are registered by the AGCO. This allows the two suppliers to create and offer slots and casino games to local operators. Under this license, however, Relax and Arrise are explicitly prohibited from offering their products to unregulated gaming websites available to Ontario players.

The AGCO argued that the provision to illegal operators helps to sustain the black market, which offers none of the mandatory protections that its legal counterpart does.

AGCO Outlines Illegal Gambling Disruption as a Top Priority

The AGCO emphasized that disrupting the unregulated gambling sector and its supply chains is one of its core priorities as a regulatory body. As a result, it opted to levy monetary penalties of CAD 40,000 ($29,300) against each of the two companies in question.

The AGCO emphasized that both suppliers have been cooperative with the investigation. It added that Rivalry and Arrise have since taken prompt action to restrict access to their games by Ontario players on unregulated sites.

Dr. Karin Schnarr, the AGCO’s chief executive officer and registrar, commented on the matter, emphasizing the importance of robust regulation to the Ontario iGaming market.

Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm.

Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO & registrar, AGCO

In the meantime, the Canadian province of Alberta braces for the launch of its own iGaming market, hoping to replicate Ontario’s success.