Responsible Gaming Council Commends Ontario's Sports Betting Oversight, Urges Ongoing Vigilance

Shelley White, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council, commends officials for their management of Ontario's single-game sports betting industry, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in a dynamic market.

Since its full opening on April 4, 2022, Ontario's regulated market reported gaming revenues exceeding $1.48 billion in its inaugural year.

White lauded the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for its proactive regulatory approach, deviating from traditional norms by continuously monitoring and adapting regulations in response to market changes.

The AGCO's ban on athlete-centric advertising and reinforced standards against celebrity endorsements, effective as of last Wednesday, reflects its commitment to responsible gambling practices.

Ontario's status as the sole province with an open, regulated iGaming market underscores its leadership in responsible gambling on a global scale.

The AGCO's stringent financial penalties, such as the $70,000 fine imposed on MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc. in January, demonstrate the commitment to minimizing the risk of unlawful activities within the gaming sector.

Established in 1983, the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) collaborates with the AGCO to reduce gambling risks through awareness programs and standardized safeguards.

While applauding the collaborative efforts leading to the April 2022 launch, White stresses the ongoing need for preventive education, especially targeting youth, young adults, and online gamblers.

iGaming operators in Ontario are now mandated to allocate a portion of their advertising budgets to responsible gambling campaigns, a move supported by White.

However, she urges a more substantial investment in the Responsible Internet Gambling Fund, emphasizing the necessity for an annual commitment to accommodate the industry's growth.

Michael Moskowitz, Chair and CEO of NorthStar Gaming, expresses contentment with Ontario's regulatory framework, highlighting their commitment to content and insights-driven marketing that empowers players with information.

NorthStar endorses the refinement of marketing guidelines to eliminate associations with athletes, retired athletes, and celebrities appealing to youth.

The RGC's recommendation to the government underscores the importance of prioritizing prevention education, citing its cost-effectiveness and higher success rates compared to treatment programs.

White asserts that a modest investment in prevention education can sustain Ontario's leadership in consumer protection amid the industry's growth.

The 2023 report on Ontario's sports betting market is anticipated in April.