On May 7, 2026, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that two gaming operators, Relax Gaming Limited and Arrise Solutions Limited, have been fined $40,000 each for supplying games to unregulated gambling websites accessible to Ontario residents. This enforcement action is part of the AGCO’s ongoing efforts to ensure that Ontario’s regulated iGaming market remains compliant and safe for players.
Unregulated Sites and Their Risks
The AGCO’s investigation revealed that bothĀ Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions, despite being licensed by the AGCO for regulated gaming sites, had their games featured on unregulated platforms. These sites operate outside the protective framework of Ontario’s legal market, where operators must adhere to strict regulations that ensure game fairness, player protection, and security.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of AGCO, explained the risks posed by unregulated sites: āOntarioās regulated iGaming market is built on clear rules designed to protect players and hold companies accountable. Unregulated gaming sites operate outside that framework, meaning players have no assurance of fair games, timely withdrawals, or access to meaningful dispute resolution. When regulated games appear on unregulated sites, it risks enabling a market that exposes players to real harm.ā
The AGCO’s Enforcement Strategy
This fine comes as part of the AGCO’s broader enforcement strategy to combat unregulated gambling. The AGCO prohibits companies that operate in the regulated Ontario market from providing their products to unregulated websites. Relax Gaming and Arrise Solutions were found to be in violation of this policy. The AGCO emphasized that their actions contributed to sustaining an illegal market that undermines consumer protection and gaming integrity.
In a statement, the AGCO reiterated its commitment to disrupting the supply chains that fuel unregulated gambling, stressing that it would continue monitoring the market for any violations of this nature. After receiving notification of the violations, both companies took immediate action, blocking Ontario players from accessing their games on the unregulated platforms.
Ongoing Issues with the Gray Market
Relax Gaming has also been involved in scrutiny over licensing issues in Anjouan, an autonomous island that is often used by unregulated operators. The company, which was acquired by FDJ in a ā¬2.5 billion deal with KindredĀ in 2024, holds licenses in various regulated markets worldwide. However, the overlap between companies participating in both regulated and gray markets can create challenges, as evidenced by this incident.
As part of its enforcement efforts, the AGCO has taken significant actions throughout 2026, including a fine against FanDuel Canada for failing to report betting irregularities and a suspension of PointsBet due to involvement in a gambling scandal.
Source:
AGCO takes enforcement action against two companies for allowing their games on unregulated gaming websites, agco.ca, May 7, 2026
