DraftKings Fined in Ontario Over Bonuses in Ads; PokerStars Latest to Launch

Gaming officials in Ontario Thursday announced DraftKings had been fined CAD 100,000 ($77,569) after it was alleged the Boston-based sports betting operator violated the Canadian province’s regulations regarding promotions. A rendering of DraftKings planned office space in Las Vegas. On Thursday, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario fined the sports betting operator CAD 100,000 for offering bonuses through social media posts and television spots. (Image: DraftKings) According to a statement issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), DraftKings advertised a 2-to-1 odds boost in television commercials and social media posts.

In Ontario , sportsbooks can only promote “inducements,” such as bonuses or credits, on its website or mobile app or through direct marketing campaigns if the bettor has given them permission.

The AGCO will continue to monitor the activities of all registered operators and hold them to high standards of responsible gambling, player protection and game integrity,” AGCO CEO and Registrar Tom Mungham said in a statement. “It is in the public interest that we ensure they are meeting their obligations under Ontario’s Gaming Control Act and the Standards.”

DraftKings can appeal the ruling to the Ontario License Appeal Tribunal. Offers Made Shortly After Ontario Launch

AGCO stated that the odds boost was offered from May 19 to May 31. That period starts one day after DraftKings officially launched in the province.

Canada legalized single-game sports betting last year, and Ontario, the nation’s most populous province with nearly 15 million people, opened its doors to private operators. Unlike most US states that have legalized sports betting, Ontario has not put a cap on the number of operators.

The first apps in Ontario went live on April 4, and it was noticeable that DraftKings was not among the early launchers since it typically is in US markets. However, company officials told investment analysts in May that they did not believe the delay would keep them from gaining market share.

Besides its online sportsbook, DraftKings also operates an iGaming site in Ontario.

DraftKings is not the first operator to be fined in Ontario over advertising issues.In early May, AGCO fined BetMGM CAD […]

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