The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed a C$70,000 penalty on Booming Games Limited after several of its slot games offered Ontario players access to prohibited auto-play functionality for several months.

The regulator found that the supplier did not properly configure, test or monitor certain titles before and after they launched in Ontario. The affected games were subsequently identified through the AGCO’s proactive compliance work, and the auto-play feature was disabled after the regulator notified the operator.

Ontario prohibits auto-play on online slots because the feature allows players to continue spinning without manually starting each wager. Requiring a player to initiate every spin creates a pause between bets, giving them an opportunity to reconsider whether to continue playing.

Investigation Identifies Supplier Failures

The AGCO determined that Booming Games breached two requirements within the Registrar’s Standards for Internet Gaming.

One violation involved providing slot games with auto-play functionality, contrary to Requirement 2 of Standard 2.16. The second concerned Requirement 3 of Standard 4.09, which requires suppliers to conduct monitoring and testing throughout the life of their gaming systems and supplies.

The regulator said the failure to meet the latter requirement meant the relevant games were not demonstrated to be operating as approved.

The penalty was issued under the Gaming Control Act, 1992.

AGCO Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr said in a press release that compliance with Ontario’s game-design requirements forms part of the player-protection framework.

“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.”

Booming Games can request a hearing before the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) within 15 days of receiving the monetary penalty order. LAT operates independently of the AGCO within Tribunals Ontario.

Ontario Keeps Auto-Play Off Slots

Ontario has prohibited auto-play since 2021. The province also requires minimum periods between spins and prohibits features that can make losses appear as wins through celebratory sounds or other misleading feedback.

The AGCO said these standards seek to limit excessive intensity, speed and continuity of play while supporting informed decisions by players.

The regulator places responsibility on gaming suppliers to ensure their products comply before launch and throughout their operational lifecycle. In Booming Games’ case, the investigation found shortcomings at both stages.

The AGCO said its targeted compliance activity uncovered the issue and that the affected operator disabled the functionality after receiving notification.

The penalty comes as Ontario’s regulated gaming market continues to operate under detailed game-design requirements. The provided material states that almost 84% of players used regulated sites during the referenced period. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the market generated C$3.20 billion in gross gambling revenue, representing 32% growth from the preceding year.

Booming Games is among recent Ontario licensees to face regulatory action. Earlier in August, the AGCO imposed a C$120,000 penalty on Betty Gaming after 23 underage individuals were permitted to create accounts.