The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined Booming Games (Malta) Limited CA$70,000 (approximately US$50,947) for violations related to an unauthorized auto-play feature in several slot games provided to Ontario players.
This penalty was announced on Thursday after the AGCO’s proactive compliance efforts identified the auto-play option in certain slot titles that were available for several months. The commission mandated that the auto-play functionality be disabled immediately upon notification of the breach.
Auto-play allows players to spin reels continuously without needing to interact, a feature that is expressly banned in Ontario due to concerns that it may lead to prolonged gambling. The AGCO emphasized that such features reduce opportunities for players to take breaks and evaluate their activities, thus increasing the potential for harm.
Upon investigation, the AGCO found that Booming Games did not adequately test, monitor, or configure specific games before and after their launch in Ontario. This violation breaches the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming, particularly by:
1. Supplying slot games with auto-play, which contravenes Requirement 2 of Standard 2.16.
2. Failing to conduct ongoing monitoring and testing of gaming systems and supplies, as specified in Requirement 3 of Standard 4.09.
The fine was issued under the authority of the Gaming Control Act of 1992. Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s CEO and registrar, remarked on the seriousness of the breach, stating, "Ontario’s game design standards are fundamental player-protection measures built into the regulated iGaming market – they are not optional technical requirements. Registered suppliers must have effective controls in place to prevent prohibited features from reaching Ontario players. When those safeguards are not respected, the AGCO will take regulatory action."
Ontario has established one of the most stringent game-design frameworks in North America since launching its legal iGaming sector. Key regulations include the total ban on auto-play, mandated intervals between spins, and restrictions on features that may mislead players by presenting losses as wins.
According to data released by the Commission last year, almost 84% of players engage with regulated sites. From April 2024 to March 2025, the gross gambling revenue in Ontario reached CA$3.20 billion, reflecting a 32% increase compared to the previous year.
Registered suppliers have a window of up to 15 days to request a hearing through the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent entity within Tribunals Ontario, following the issuance of a monetary penalty.
