Unibet slapped with $48k Ontario fine over inducement breaches

Kindred Group’s Unibet brand has been hit with a $48,000 (£31,505) fine from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for violating the province’s gambling advertising laws.

The brand, which has operated in the market since it went live on April 4, was found to have posted or aired multiple broad gambling inducements promoting “generous welcome offers” over a period between May 19 and May 22.

Under Ontarian gambling laws, operators cannot advertise inducements, bonuses or credits, except on their own respective website, or through direct advertising or marketing after receiving player consent.

The fine comes in the form of an Order of Monetary Penalty (OMP), which Kindred Group has the right to appeal with the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which functions as an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.

AGCO CEO and registrar Tom Mungham welcomed the OMP, highlighting the regulator’s resolve to continue to enforce Ontarian igaming standards.

“We expect all registered operators to achieve and maintain the high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity,” Mungham said.

“The AGCO will continue to monitor these gaming sites’ activities, and ensure they are meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the standards,” he added.

BetMGM, PointsBet and DraftKings have also felt the wrath of AGCO in recent months, as the regulator looks to enforce a tough line on igaming operators.

To date, fines totalling $136,000 (£89,219) have been issued by the regulatory body.