AGCO Fines Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions $40K Each in Ontario

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) fined Relax Gaming Limited and Arrise Solutions Limited $40,000 each. The fines follow an AGCO investigation that found both companies' games accessible to Ontario players on unregulated gambling websites. Both companies are AGCO-registered suppliers of slot and casino-style games to regulated iGaming sites in the province.

Why Unregulated iGaming Sites Harm Ontario Players

Ontario's regulated iGaming market requires operators to meet strict consumer protection standards. These include game integrity measures and responsible gambling safeguards. Unregulated sites offer none of these guarantees.

The AGCO warns that unregulated sites also increase the risk of criminal activity, including money laundering and match-fixing.

AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr stated: "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." The AGCO prohibits regulated companies from supplying products to unregulated platforms available to Ontario players.

Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions: Background and Response

After being notified by AGCO investigators, both Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions cooperated fully, restricting Ontario players from accessing their games on unregulated sites. Relax Gaming is a Malta-based iGaming aggregator founded in 2011. It has partnered with licensed Ontario operators, including PowerPlay and PointsBet Canada. Arrise Solutions produces slots and live casino content across 14 locations worldwide. The AGCO actively monitors the regulated market for companies supplying the unregulated sector. The agency aims to disrupt unregulated gaming and its supply chains.

Ontario Signals Tougher Stance on Illegal iGaming

Ontario's illegal iGaming market remains smaller than in other Canadian provinces. The AGCO estimates that approximately 83% of the market is channeled to legal sites. However, the regulator has signaled a tougher stance. At last year's Canada Gaming Summit in Toronto, Attorney General Doug Downey addressed operators that are avoiding licensure. "The market's matured enough now that people have had an opportunity [to get licensed], and if they're not going to go through the door, it's time that they stop playing in our market," Downey said. AGCO Chair Dave Forestell echoed the need for more aggressive enforcement against unregulated operators in the province.