theScore Bet Hit With C$200K Fine Over Cash-Out Offers

Ontario's gaming regulator has hit theScore Bet with a C$200,000 penalty over two cash-out offers it never honored. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced the fine on Oct. 6. It targets Score Media and Gaming Inc., the PENN Entertainment unit that runs the sportsbook. The AGCO said neither offer was achievable as presented to the player.

Of the two, the larger offer was worth about C$380,000, but the player received nothing after the bet settled as a loss. The regulator called the fine the maximum monetary penalty available. theScore Bet can still request a hearing to challenge the decision.

How a C$1,000 Parlay Led to Two Failed Cash-Out Offers

The case dates back to a C$1,000 parlay placed on March 14, 2025. Each leg was an NHL, NBA, or NCAA basketball game played that day. A perfect ticket would have paid more than C$1 million.

After all but one leg won, theScore offered a cash-out of about C$380,000. The player accepted immediately. theScore then rejected the transaction during automated verification after the odds changed.

Four minutes later, the sportsbook presented a second offer of almost C$100,000. Once again, the player accepted right away. That offer was not honored either. The final leg lost, and the bet settled with no payout.

Why the AGCO Says theScore Bet Misled the Player

The AGCO's Registrar found that neither cash-out offer was achievable as presented. Its decision cites Standard 4.07 of the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming, which bars operators from misleading players or misrepresenting games.

The standard also prohibits describing outcomes, prizes, or features that cannot be achieved.

theScore is also alleged to have breached section 3.8 of the Gaming Control Act, 1992. Dr. Karin Schnarr, the AGCO's CEO and Registrar, addressed the size of the fine.

"By imposing the maximum monetary penalty available, we are sending a clear message that these expectations are not optional," she said. The regulator said its action is separate from any individual player dispute.

theScore Bet's Second AGCO Fine and What Comes Next

This is not theScore's first penalty from the AGCO. In October 2025, the regulator fined the operator C$105,000 over alleged responsible-gambling failures. That case involved a patron who wagered C$2.5 million and lost about C$230,000 over eight months.

The new fine comes as PENN grows theScore Bet's profile through an NFL partnership in Canada. Ontario's market also faces scrutiny over gambling harm. A recent study linked online sports betting to more emergency room visits in the province.

theScore has 15 days from the Oct. 6 notice to request a hearing. Any hearing would take place before the Licence Appeal Tribunal, which is independent of the AGCO.