The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) continues its initiatives against unregulated gambling in the province by announcing the removal of unauthorized electronic gambling machines from convenience stores. 

 

Lottery Vendor Registration Canceled 

AGCO is canceling the lottery seller licenses of multiple retailers in the GTA that were discovered to be providing gambling machines under the Prime Slot name. 

Registering as a lottery seller with the AGCO is a required step for companies aiming to offer lottery products for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. 

“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO.

 

AGCO Strengthens Enforcement Actions 

These gaming devices have been set up at retail outlets such as convenience stores throughout North America, proliferating in quantity while evading regional gaming regulations. 

Regulators such as the AGCO classify them as games of chance, whereas the machine manufacturers claim they are games of skill, having placed the terminals in places like convenience stores where gaming machines would typically be banned. 

The AGCO has issued a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke the registration of a licensed lottery seller providing electronic games. The retailer has 15 days to contest the AGCO's decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal. 

The AGCO oversees all gambling activities in Ontario to guarantee that gaming sites and gambling products adhere to strict standards for player safety, game fairness, and the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable populations.