AGCO Removes Unapproved Gambling Machines From Ontario Convenience Stores

• AGCO takes steps to revoke lottery seller registrations of a number of retailers in the GTA
• Unregulated gaming machines have increasingly proliferated across North America

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) pushes on with its efforts to combat unregulated gambling in the province with the news it is removing unapproved electronic gambling machines from convenience stores.

Lottery Seller Registration Revoked

AGCO is revoking the lottery seller registrations of several retailers in the GTA that were found to be offering gambling machines under the Prime Slot brand.

A lottery seller registration with the AGCO is a mandatory registration for businesses that wish to sell lottery products on behalf of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

“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 Toughens Enforcement Efforts

These gaming machines have been installed at retail locations like convenience stores across North America, increasing in numbers, circumventing local gaming laws.

Regulator like the AGCO say they’re games of chance, while manufacturers of the machines say they are games of skill, and have installed the terminals in locations like convenience stories where gaming machines would otherwise be prohibited.

The AGCO has served a registered lottery seller offering the electronic games with a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke their registration. The retailer can appeal the AGCO’s action within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

The AGCO regulates all gambling in Ontario to ensure gambling products and gaming sites are held to high standards of player safety, game integrity, and protection of minor and vulnerable individuals.