AGCO agrees two-day suspension for PointsBet in Ontario under settlement
Settlement reduces AGCO’s proposed five-day ban and mandates an AGCO‑approved independent audit
Key Takeaways
- PointsBet agreed to a two-day suspension of its site in Ontario with the AGCO, formalised on 22 October 2026.
- The AGCO initially recommended a five-day suspension for failures in monitoring, identifying, recording and reporting suspicious wagering activity.
- The incident was linked to wagers on Jontay Porter, who was banned for life by the NBA in 2024 for betting-rule breaches.
- PointsBet agreed to an independent audit using an auditor and methodology approved by the AGCO and to remediate findings with independent validation.
- Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada, said the company was “disappointed by the AGCO’s proposed sanction.”
PointsBet reached a settlement with the [Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)](/regulation) that resulted in a two-day suspension of its licence in the province, the regulator confirmed on 22 October 2026. AGCO had originally recommended a five-day suspension after finding the operator’s subsidiary failed to “monitor, identify, record and report suspicious wagering activity” correctly.
Cause of the file
The matter was linked to wagers placed on basketball player [Jontay Porter](/sports), who was banned for life by the NBA in 2024 for breaches of the league’s wagering rules.
Terms of the settlement
"To improve its control environment, PointsBet has agreed, as part of this resolution, to conduct an independent audit using an auditor and audit methodology approved by the AGCO and to address any findings. Remediation will be validated independently," the AGCO announced.
The commission specified the settlement includes a two-day suspension of PointsBet’s gaming site in Ontario, in accordance with the agreed terms.
Operator reaction
Scott Vanderwel, chief executive officer of PointsBet Canada, initially reacted by describing the company as “disappointed by the AGCO’s proposed sanction.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What sanction did PointsBet accept in Ontario and when was the agreement formalised?
PointsBet accepted a two-day suspension of its gaming site in Ontario, and the agreement was confirmed by the AGCO on 22 October 2026.
What was the AGCO’s original recommendation before the settlement?
The AGCO originally recommended a five-day suspension, citing failures in monitoring, identification, recording and reporting of suspicious wagering activity.
What was the breach linked to according to the AGCO?
The non-compliance was linked to wagers on Jontay Porter, who was banned for life by the NBA in 2024 for violations of its wagering rules.
What audits or remedies did the AGCO require from PointsBet?
The AGCO required PointsBet to conduct an independent audit using an auditor and methodology approved by the commission, and to ensure remediation is validated independently.
How did PointsBet Canada’s management react publicly?
Scott Vanderwel, CEO of PointsBet Canada, publicly stated the company was “disappointed by the AGCO’s proposed sanction.”
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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