With the announcement that it is taking unauthorized electronic gaming machines out of convenience stores, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) continues its fight against unregulated gambling in the province.

Revocation of Lottery Seller Registration

After it was discovered that a number of GTA businesses were selling gambling machines under the Prime Slot name, AGCO is canceling their lottery seller registrations.

Businesses that want to offer lottery items on behalf of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation must register as lottery sellers with the AGCO.

“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 Steps Up Enforcement Actions

Increasingly, these gaming machines have been placed in retail establishments, such as convenience stores, all over North America, evading regional gambling regulations.

While the developers of the machines claim they are games of skill and have placed the terminals in places like convenience stores where gaming machines would otherwise be illegal, regulators such as the AGCO claim they are games of chance.

A registered lottery vendor selling electronic games has received a Notice of Proposed Order from the AGCO to cancel its registration.  The shop has 15 days to file an appeal with the Licence Appeal Tribunal against the AGCO's decision.

In order to guarantee that gambling products and gaming websites adhere to strict guidelines for player safety, game integrity, and the protection of vulnerable and underage people, the AGCO oversees all gambling in Ontario.