AGCO Removes Skill Game Machines in Ongoing Battle About Their Legality
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The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario AGCO is cracking down on so called skill game machines within the province stating that the products are illegal. More than 200 inspections were carried out and these revealed that the machines are operating unlawfully and without regulatory oversight. These machines are accessible to minors and other vulnerable groups.
More Than 50 Prime Slot Gaming Machines Removed in Ontario
The AGCO has removed more than 50 Prime Slot gaming machines so far. These were removed from hospitality and retail locations across the province after more than 200 inspections found that they were being marketed as skill games, but that they relied on chance.
The AGCO stated that they are not permitted under Canadian law unless they are from a licensed supplier that has been approved, and that they are used in a regulated spaces such as Ontario casinos or charitable gaming centre.
After finding Prime Slot Machines on the premises of several retail outlets in the Greater Toronto area, the AGCO revoked the lottery seller registrations of these retailers.
According to Dr. Karin Schnarr, the AGCO Registrar, the AGCO is taking a proactive stance to ensure that unlawful gaming machines don't take root in Ontario.
Prime Skill Games Not Happy With the Outcome
Prime Skill Games CEO Matt Zamrozniak stated that the AGCO hasn't been in contact with his company and that they hadn't issued any formal orders. He said that the AGCO's actions have always been aimed at the retail partners and because of this, the company made the decision to suspend certain operators. He stated that this was the company's choice and not a result of any inspections on their machines.
The AGCO has stated that Prime Skill hasn't applied for an AGCO license and that they did engage with the company regarding their Prime Slot machines.
Zamrozniak has said the that the Prime Slot machines are legal and that they are built on a real skill component. He also stated that they intend to prove the legality of the machines and the integrity of the operation.
AGCO Regulations on Skill Games
The removal of Prime Skill Games comes shortly after electronic terminal games from GotSkill? were deemed to be gambling machines by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
The GotSkill? games were not pure games of skill and we a mix of skill and chance and therefore a form of gambling.
The AGCO regulations state that casino games, raffles, and bingo are games of chance. Sports are games of skill, and table games like blackjack are considered a mix of skill and chance. They are required to be licensed and regulated whether they are available at online casinos or as gaming machines in retailers throughout Ontario.
The Future of Skill Based Gaming Machines
It's hard to know what is going to happen as Prime Skill Games is adamant that it can prove the legality of its gaming machines and that they are skill based. The AGCO is working at protecting the youth and vulnerable members of the community and illegal machines are going to be removed.
It may be that Prime Skill Games will be required to apply for a license for their products and adhere to the guidelines set out by the AGCO that all gambling sites in the Ontario adhere to. We don't know yet, but it is something that we will be keeping a close eye on.
There are approximately 22,000 gaming machines including slots in Ontario and with the AGCO cracking down, how many of these will be found to be operating unlawfully?
