Claims that Ontario auditors do not verify casinos' funding sources
Ontario
Organisations in Ontario were the focus of the 2022 Annual Report that the office presented with the results. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) was one of these.
Although proof of these source-of-funds checks was not necessary, OLG made it mandatory for land-based casinos to do so starting in May 2021 for all players making single transactions of CA$100,000 (£60,747/€70,677). Furthermore, prior to issuing any cheque above CA$3,000, OLG is required by its AML procedures to verify the winner's identity.
During its audit, the office realised that it could get checks with minimal play and no casino winnings, which led to the discovery of the lack of AML checks.
Reporting of suspicious transactions in Ontario is low
The audit also showed that reporting of questionable transactions was low generally. Nearly 20% of the province's 27 casinos have reported questionable transactions, which amounted to less than 1% of total income.
Additionally, the audit discovered that online gamblers are not making regular use of OLG's responsible gaming resources. From 33% in June 2017 to 11% in June 2022, the percentage of active players using casino loss limitations tools has decreased. Following the opening of Ontario's online gambling market earlier this year, the study also mentioned that individuals who have self-excluded from OLG's website may still visit private operator sites authorised by iGaming Ontario.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which oversees the gambling industry in Ontario, issued a directive last week compelling all operators operating within the province to immediately cease accepting bets on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) owing to concerns regarding the tournament's integrity.
