Canada's AGCO targets PointsBet over Porter scandal
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has taken unprecedented steps against PointsBet Canada, alleging that the licenced sportsbook and casino failed to properly detect and report suspicious betting activity linked to former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter.
Allegations against PointsBet
AGCO claims there was a systemic failure by PointsBet to identify suspicious wagers tied to Porter, who was accused of orchestrating a bet-rigging scheme. As a result, the regulator issued a Notice of Proposed Order to suspend PointsBet Canada’s iGaming registration for five days. Last week, PointsBet Canada opened registration for online casinos and sportsbooks in Alberta, marking a major step toward the province’s formal iGaming launch. But this could soon change.
The suspension is not immediate. According to an AGCO spokesperson, the order will take effect only after a 15-day period, as reported by Canadian Gaming Business. PointsBet may appeal the decision to an independent tribunal within 15 days.
Background on Jontay Porter
In April 2024, the NBA had banned Porter for a lifetime after an investigation revealed that he provided insider information about his health to bettors and deliberately underperformed to manipulate player prop bets.
He pleaded guilty in July 2024 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the U.S., admitting that he withdrew early from games so co-conspirators could profit from wagers. His activities were uncovered by an independent integrity firm and reported to the FBI by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBA), sparking criminal investigations.
AGCO’s findings
AGCO, working with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau, found sufficient evidence to launch its own criminal probe. The regulator also directed all Ontario sportsbooks to confirm whether they had offered bets on Porter and whether suspicious activity had been reported.
PointsBet initially advised AGCO that it had not offered such bets, but only after a significant delay. Later, in October 2025—following the unsealing of a U.S. federal indictment—PointsBet admitted it had in fact offered wagers on Porter’s games connected to the scandal.
AGCO reviewed PointsBet’s wagering data and confirmed suspicious betting patterns that should have been flagged and reported at the time.
Regulatory response
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr emphasised that operators must have robust systems and trained staff to detect and report suspicious activity. She warned that the regulator will take decisive action when standards are not met.
PointsBet expressed “disappointment” with the decision, according to a report by the Canadian Gaming Business.
There was an initial inaccurate response in March 2024 that was caused by human error during an organisational transition with no intent to withhold information, according to a PointsBet spokesperson. When PointsBet discovered the correct data, it was disclosed immediately in order to fully cooperate with the investigation and to engage proactively with the regulator.
PointsBet considers the proposed sanction disproportionate and intends to explore all available options, including a hearing before the independent Licence Appeal Tribunal.
AGCO moves to suspend PointsBet for failing to report suspicious NBA bets on Jontay Porter: https://t.co/Rd9RnVCS4X pic.twitter.com/N6pmzSA2Wm
— Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (@Ont_AGCO) February 12, 2026
Wider crackdown
This marks AGCO’s second major enforcement action in recent months. In January 2026, the regulator fined FanDuel CAD 350,000 ($256,000) for failing to identify suspicious betting activity in a Czech table tennis competition.
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