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The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) has initiated action against BV Gaming, the operator of BetVictor, and Fitzdares Canada for offering illegal bets on major junior hockey. During the 2022-23 season, the operators were found to have accepted bets on games from the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
This infringement by BV Gaming and Fitzdares Canada violates AGCO regulations, which prohibit betting on minor league sports, including the three major junior hockey leagues of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Wagering on this level of sporting event is expressly prohibited in Standard 4.34, paragraph 15.
As a result of their acts, BV Gaming (BetVictor) and Fitzdares Canada have both been fined CA$15,000. Both operators, however, have the right to appeal the decision to the License Appeal Tribunal.
Dave Phillips, the Chief Operating Officer of AGCO, emphasized the regulator’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of sports betting in Ontario. He stated, “In turn, this may serve to protect the integrity of sport. This includes a clear prohibition on offering bets in Ontario on minor league sports, including Canadian major junior hockey.”
AGCO will continue to closely monitor Ontario’s sports betting markets to ensure public interest protection. The commission is committed to respecting the norms and laws that protect sports betting’s integrity and prevent unauthorized operations.
BV gambling, which operates under the brand BetVictor, was one of the first operators to secure an Ontario gambling license when the market opened in April 2022. The license allows the operator to offer online sports betting and casino games to province residents.
Fitzdares Canada entered the Ontario market in February of this year in collaboration with B2B sportsbook and iGaming service provider FSB. Customers can choose from a variety of betting alternatives provided by the organization.
The fines issued on BetVictor and Fitzdares Canada serve as a reminder to all operators in the Ontario sports betting market to follow AGCO regulations. AGCO seeks to create a fair and transparent sports betting environment while defending the integrity of both the industry and the games themselves by maintaining strict standards and enforcing compliance.