","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"The ban on public advertising of promos is only the second such ban implemented worldwide, he said (the AGCO has already issued several fines to operators for infractions related to marketing promos). From the archives: How former ref Tim Donaghy conspired to fix NBA games arguing that he based his picks on insider information. Before long, she had spent more than half the proceeds from the recent sale of her house. If you need help with mental health, addiction and problem gambling, you can contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. Industry and gambling regulator counter that Ontario rules are world-class and protect players. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Burns of the CGA said Ontario has taken a reasonable approach by curtailing advertising but still allowing promotions, which many customers enjoy and seek out, adding that appropriate bonusing and incentives is part of the industry, like any other business that offers a loyalty program. And thats exactly whats going to happen with these VIP rooms.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"type":"textBreakPoint","insertAt":"contentEndBreakPoint"},{"text":"If you need help with mental health, addiction and problem gambling, you can contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. All ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"type":"cta","buttonText":"Sign Up Now","buttonLink":"/emails.html?nsrc=article-inline-business","description":"Read the business news and analysis that matters most every morning, including the latest on what the coronavirus means for you, in our Star Business email newsletter. Theyre effective from a business point of view and they do make customers much more loyal to that brand, said Matt Gaskell, clinical lead and consultant psychologist for Englands National Health Service Northern Gambling Service. Lonely as I was, and isolated and too ashamed to tell anybody what was going on or how I was feeling, why wouldnt I talk to them? New York Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (12) rounds the bases against the Cleveland Guardians during Game 1 of an American League Division baseball series, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, in New York. WebCNA. WebQuestia. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"TheScore, BetMGM, PointsBet and the OLG provided more detailed responses on the responsible gambling measures they have in place. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"There are no specific rules that require operators to check that players can actually afford what theyre spending. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"This is not a practice thats undertaken, he said. Anyone can read Conversations, but to contribute, you should be a registered Torstar account holder. (The data was collected in 2018 and published earlier this year.). Since the launch of Ontarios igaming market in April, more than two dozen companies have won licences to operate more than 40 different websites and apps. Industry and gambling regulator counter that Ontario rules are world-class and protect players. Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association said he does not believe that any operators in Ontario are using VIP perks to convince people not to self-exclude or otherwise overlooking players concerns. Watch CNA's 24/7 livestream. Freebies such as bet bonuses and invitations to private suites at major sports games are meant to make the clients feel special, the insider said, adding, compulsive gamblers have a strong inner urge to be a big shot or at least be perceived as being big shots.. WebAll 1080p Micro 1080p Micro 720p Micro 2160p Xvid. Problem gambling has been recognized as a public health harm similar to depression or alcohol abuse. Targeting compulsive gamblers is just not on. Headline: SEC Charges Former Employee of Online Gambling Company with Insider Trading: Release No. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which regulates gambling, said it has a strong responsible gambling framework in place and that it restricts misleading promotions and requires operators to know their customers and monitor for harmful activity. ","heading":"","fullWindow":false,"fullBleed":false,"showFullBleedOnMobile":false,"headColor":"","type":"html5mobile","textColor":"","mobileImageUrl":"","bgColor":"","imageUrl":"","registeredOnly":false,"linkUrl":"","aodaTitle":"Betting on VIP revenue","internalScroll":false,"displayStyle":"small-up"},{"text":"VIP jobs in Ontario","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Since the launch of Ontarios igaming market in April, more than two dozen companies have won licences to operate more than 40 different websites and apps. For his part, Dijkema, from the think tank Cardus, said Ontario should not expect the industry to self-govern programs that, at their core, are designed to get clients to bet more money, noting that the government itself gets 20 per cent of igaming revenue. Bettors report that this marketing is intense and particularly influential on their betting, by encouraging them to place more bets, the study said. Account managers from the betting website showered her with theatre tickets and lavish gift baskets, depositing cash bonuses into her account after shed had a tough night of losses. Steve Wynn was born Stephen Alan Weinberg in New Haven, Connecticut, on January 27, 1942.His father, Michael, owned a chain of bingo parlors in the eastern United States. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"The insider said VIP bonuses in the range of 20 to 30 per cent of the amount customers deposit are common in the programs the person is familiar with, and are typically used to help soften the blow after a losing streak. If they dont win, both their original deposit and the bonus are gone. Industry and gambling regulator counter that Ontario rules are world-class and protect players. Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, a lobby group that represents both land-based casinos and online betting companies, said he does not believe that VIP programs dissuade players seeking to self-exclude nor that they target compulsive gamblers. Twitter @espnradio. Reach her at cdobby@thestar.ca","author":{"author":"Christine Dobby","photo":{"origImageSize":"828x822","lastmodified":2700061000,"url":"/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg","sizes":{"1:1":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/1_iAK0dKPob4UFxnLx9v3f_0zrA=/100x100/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"},"3:2":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/kC2kKDAAr9HjxrPVab73G-qi0r4=/114x76/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg","medium":"https://images.thestar.com/Ipu6q26Ucqisvkvkcd-yJnIxPVM=/330x220/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg","large":"https://images.thestar.com/JVXXTFdpSGGTP54YoyJq6UI7yGw=/690x460/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"},"21:9":{"large":"https://images.thestar.com/aFbZfGFeUfkWbVCOpLgGnPiDe1s=/1080x460/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"}},"nonWebPSizes":{"1:1":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/v-swoBYLdUaZxjEbCaxoxkYwc3U=/100x100/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"},"3:2":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/QHPxR1CMkAZVt8pKAHt9OrXRS6A=/114x76/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg","medium":"https://images.thestar.com/Ugnu0xcCend0mtGJ6PJ5Nwlw3yg=/330x220/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg","large":"https://images.thestar.com/TUFfrzAjNywUzuFQF9etlJFpko8=/690x460/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"},"21:9":{"large":"https://images.thestar.com/vTbe2h44aGjVhxmRa8oRTQAaNdA=/1080x460/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/columnist_logos/Dobby_Christine.jpg"}}},"location":"Toronto","tag":"dobby_christine","credit":"Business Reporter","twitterId":"christinedobby ","email":"cdobby@thestar.ca"},"authorPageUrl":"/authors.dobby_christine.html","type":"endnote","isLast":true},{"type":"articleRelatedFooter"},{"type":"shareBar","position":"bottom"},{"type":"trustbar"},{"type":"conversations"}],"assetTags":["brian_dijkema","ontario","ontario_lottery_and_gaming_corporation","gambling_commission","self_exclusion","online_casino","starlock","smg_business","_1_866_531_2600","InHouseArticle_thestar","online_gambling","problem_gambling","gambling","vip_gambling_perks","addicted_online_gambling","online_gambling","gambling_regulation","dobby_christine","gambling_addiction","arc_cov_recovery","online_gambling","entertainment","vip_gambler","online_slots","responsible_gaming","united_kingdom","isle_of_man_gambling_supervision_commission","gambling","arc_cov_economy","algolock"],"seoKeywords":"Arc cov economy,arc cov recovery,gambling,online gambling,gambling addiction,addicted online gambling,online slots,VIP gambler,VIP gambling perks,starlock,smg_business,InHouseArticle_thestar,algolock","excludeInRecommendations":false,"promo":[],"tier":"tier1","related":{"pubdays":0,"strategy":0},"personalizationMetadata":{"inHouseArticle":"true","image":"https://images.thestar.com/6c4CKxV_C30mEh_WfV3C7dPVHeA=/1280x1024/smart/filters:cb(1669930737442)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/11/25/insider-alleges-ontario-gambling-vip-programs-aim-to-stop-high-spenders-from-quitting-even-when-they-want-to/gambling_vip_print_web.jpg","enableLivechat":"false","images":"https://www.thestar.com/assets/img/thestar-ribbon.png","noShow":"false","enableConversations":"true","description":"Insider says two gambling companies operating in Ontario actively tried to dissuade high-spending players referred to as degenerates from self-excluding. Still, in other parts of the world, regulators have put less faith in responsible gambling protections alone: In recent years, Denmark, Sweden, Spain and parts of Australia have put limits on gambling promotions, in some cases capping the amounts, banning them, only allowing initial sign-up bonuses or not allowing sign-up bonuses at all. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"This can include changing the topic of conversation or taking other steps to dissuade players from self-excluding, a voluntary step taken by the customer that blocks them from placing bets for a predetermined period of time. VIP programs should not be allowed at all, said Dijkema, who co-authored a report last year proposing provincial gambling reforms. Republication or distribution of this content is They said VIP programs are meant to provide high-quality customer service and that hosts and account managers are provided with extensive responsible-gambling training. But using bonuses and other inducements is permitted and companies can market perks directly to players who have landed on a website, signed up for an account or given their consent. VIP programs became common in the U.K. after 2005 legislation paved the way for a dramatic expansion in gambling. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"As of early November, theScore and BetMGM had hired 12 and nine people, respectively, for Canadian VIP programs. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"TheScore said VIP programs are common in the regulated online gambling business, like many other industries with affluent customers, and that they allow regulated operators to both satisfy customer expectations and ensure players are playing responsibly.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"BetMGM said its VIP hosts are trained and required to not only look for, but also to act, if they observe problematic behaviours by VIP patrons. In such cases, hosts are trained to immediately close the account and escalate the matter to the responsible gambling team.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Given their frequent communication with VIP account managers, I would argue the responsible gaming habits of said customers are actually monitored with extra scrutiny, said a PointsBet spokesperson. He added that the gambling regulator would welcome such a complaint, which would allow it to make information requests and conduct regulatory investigations to determine whether any allegations are founded.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"When it comes to bonuses and inducements to gamble more generally, Kahnert said that while they are permitted, Ontarios rules still include many other measures to protect players. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Burns added that any operator not following the rules risks severe sanctions from the regulator that would outweigh any potential benefit from retaining one VIP customer. The .gov means it's official. Maximize value from our existing VIP players while cultivating new VIP players and build one-to-one relationships with top VIP customers, said a now expired BetMGM posting that also emphasized generating online gaming revenue, upselling content to VIPs and offering complimentary services/offers to players where appropriate., A job ad from theScore, the Toronto-based company now owned by U.S. based Penn Entertainment, said account managers would be responsible for a portfolio of 200 to 250 of the most valuable user(s) of theScore Bet, and promised, youll work with high net worth clients to deliver top-tier experiences, establishing personalized relationships, respond quickly to their needs and address any issues that may arise.. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"(BetMGM spokesperson Elisa Richardson said the company could not comment specifically on an active court case but added, We firmly believe that Mr. Antars allegations are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend the case.)","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Burns of the Canadian Gaming Association said he does not believe that any operators in Ontario are using VIP perks to convince people not to self-exclude or otherwise overlooking players concerns. MarketingTracer SEO Dashboard, created for webmasters and agencies. Period. Also common with VIP programs, said Gaskell, are bonuses or betting credits. They said VIP programs are meant to provide high-quality customer service and that hosts and account managers are provided with extensive responsible-gambling training. Given the well-documented harm that such programs can inflict, critics such as Brian Dijkema, vice-president of external affairs with Cardus, a non-partisan, faith-based think tank, say Ontario should crack down on the programs before people get hurt. Increasing those limits comes with a seven-day cooling-off period. Burns of the CGA said Ontario has taken a reasonable approach by curtailing advertising but still allowing promotions, which many customers enjoy and seek out, adding that appropriate bonusing and incentives is part of the industry, like any other business that offers a loyalty program. They wont get any more bonuses, event tickets or other perks if they self-exclude, the insider said, adding that after spending significant amounts with one operator, clients are often reluctant to lose that investment.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"A lawsuit filed in New Jersey in September outlines allegations similar to the activities the insider described to the Star. Newspapers Limited, 8 Spadina Avenue, 10th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8, BetBuddy, an artificial-intelligence program it uses to identify at-risk players, Ontario, privately run online gambling was made legal just a few months ago, Cardus, a non-partisan, faith-based think tank. WebText to 44202 (Msg&Data Rates May Apply). DraftKings and NorthStar declined to comment while FanDuel said in a brief statement that its VIP program in Ontario is focused on creating relationships with frequent players who adhere to standards of responsible gambling. ","hasImage":true,"section":"Business","abstract":"Insider says two gambling companies operating in Ontario actively tried to dissuade high-spending players referred to as degenerates from self-excluding. (BetMGM spokesperson Elisa Richardson said the company could not comment specifically on an active court case but added, We firmly believe that Mr. Antars allegations are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend the case.). Research by the U.K. Gambling Commission that was obtained by the Guardian newspaper using freedom of information laws estimated about eight per cent of the 47,000 VIP online bettors in Britain were problem gamblers. Manage and improve your online marketing. Technology's news site of record. The OLG said players are ineligible for its VIP program if they have taken a short-term break, have self-excluded or have a high-risk rating on BetBuddy, an artificial-intelligence program it uses to identify at-risk players. It is the working-class person who actually finds it addictive who gets taken here. Six of the top 10 legal gambling brands by popularity, ranked by Ontario respondents in a survey published in June by consulting and consumer research company Betting Hero, have hired Canadian employees for jobs related to VIP programs, according to LinkedIn profiles (such profiles do not provide a definitive list of employees but do offer a sense of the companies hiring practices). WebEarly life and education. Wong-Tam demands answers from province to find out","abstract":"Wong-Tam, a former city councillor who voted to approve bingo hall modernization but not slot machines wants to know if the OLG broke promises","image":{"origImageSize":"1200x900","cropthumb":"0,0,1200,800","lastmodified":1662122005493,"alt":"Vegas-style gambling machines that are strikingly similar to slot machines are seen at Delta Bingo on St. Clair Ave. W. in Toronto. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Kahnert said inducements must be clear and not misleading, operators are required to proactively monitor individual player behaviour for signs of potential gambling-related harm, and to intervene appropriately by taking steps such as calling the player or cutting off their account. He says its time to ban VIP programs outright. To order ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"For example, the OLG said players can set daily, weekly or monthly limits on how much they spend, lose or deposit. In the case, Sam A. Antar alleges he gambled for days on end at times, placing more than 100,000 bets over nine months on websites and in casinos run by MGM and related companies including BetMGM. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Calls for a ban","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Gambling reform advocates in the U.K. have called for a ban of VIP programs. Wynns father changed the family's last name in 1946 from "Weinberg" to "Wynn" when Steve was 4 Industry and gambling regulator counter that Ontario rules are world-class and protect players. rights reserved. TheScore said VIP programs are common in the regulated online gambling business, like many other industries with affluent customers, and that they allow regulated operators to both satisfy customer expectations and ensure players are playing responsibly., BetMGM said its VIP hosts are trained and required to not only look for, but also to act, if they observe problematic behaviours by VIP patrons. In such cases, hosts are trained to immediately close the account and escalate the matter to the responsible gambling team.. ","url":"/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg","sizes":{"1:1":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/7VVMmg7o9rvD3Z_EF9700WHYtrU=/0x0:1200x800/100x100/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"},"3:2":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/cqpV_TZF1wc1AdmLdJQJFEapYjI=/0x0:1200x800/114x76/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg","medium":"https://images.thestar.com/ZjlbCywHkDMatFFNk6uAnNoCyyg=/0x0:1200x800/330x220/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg","large":"https://images.thestar.com/gJNKs37ffhLbhpY5P-qxlxaTn5k=/0x0:1200x800/690x460/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"},"21:9":{"large":"https://images.thestar.com/2KcKZDdUeKcXCKbgjY8KMaYpS-Q=/0x0:1200x800/1080x460/smart/filters:format(webp)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"}},"nonWebPSizes":{"1:1":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/OSIGLzcY7fAud41svHmluk9ivHo=/0x0:1200x800/100x100/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"},"3:2":{"small":"https://images.thestar.com/OCDNpRk7xe1Be2yMO1BNLKsRyiQ=/0x0:1200x800/114x76/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg","medium":"https://images.thestar.com/o2Tqsj4VLw0OdwbjvqNCPLhAu6I=/0x0:1200x800/330x220/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg","large":"https://images.thestar.com/aiNNG59_Ogid8sQtLl4xVXrmMvs=/0x0:1200x800/690x460/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"},"21:9":{"large":"https://images.thestar.com/9KF7ScxdiwEQsdGeyVm0hz043Tk=/0x0:1200x800/1080x460/smart/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/business/2022/09/01/wong-tam-demands-answers-from-province-on-vegas-style-gambling-machines-in-bingo-halls/slots_jpg.jpg"}}},"labels":{"section":"Business","trust":null,"special":null},"enableConversations":true,"enableLivechat":false,"publishedepoch":1662026400000},{"url":"/business/2022/08/12/star-investigation-finds-olg-quietly-transformed-dozens-of-bingo-halls-into-de-facto-casinos-despite-slot-machine-ban.html","assetId":"62cf8b2b-1294-4454-902b-214386f55c8f","headline":"OLG quietly transformed dozens of bingo halls into de facto casinos, despite slot machine ban","abstract":"A money-losing modernization program added hundreds of gaming terminals that look and operate much like slot machines to bingo halls, despite ban","image":{"origImageSize":"1146x1200","cropthumb":"0,0,1146,764","lastmodified":1660599260527,"alt":"These modernized bingo halls have not made money for the province. If someone is expressing concerning behaviour, the VIP team is advised to offer tickets to an event or a bonus immediately. Its just not done. Most bonuses, which can run into the thousands of dollars, come with a play-through requirement, meaning the client must gamble a certain amount (sometimes 10 or 20 times the amount of the bonus) before they can withdraw any of their winnings as cash. They talk to me about how they feel like their account manager is their best friend, Gaskell said. Given their frequent communication with VIP account managers, I would argue the responsible gaming habits of said customers are actually monitored with extra scrutiny, said a PointsBet spokesperson. "Sinc ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Antar claims that he tried to quit multiple times (largely because of technical malfunctions in the online casino game he was playing) but alleges he was convinced to keep going in part because VIP account managers gave him bonus payments that sometimes totalled more than $30,000 (U.S.) per month. However, Kahnert said companies may conduct such checks in order to meet the outcomes set out in the standards (the ACGOs rules)., Strong protections in place, operators say. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"DraftKings and NorthStar declined to comment while FanDuel said in a brief statement that its VIP program in Ontario is focused on creating relationships with frequent players who adhere to standards of responsible gambling. WebNews on Japan, Business News, Opinion, Sports, Entertainment and More But for some, it becomes a hazard to their mental, physical and financial health. The other operators also referenced tools for players to set limits, implement cooling-off periods and self-exclude from their sites. The Responsible Gambling Council of Canada, a non-profit that also has a for-profit arm that sells responsible-gambling services, has said it was involved in consultations on Ontarios igaming market. The two operators the insider is familiar with are already mining customer data to identify potential VIPs, looking for patterns of high-frequency betting and long-term losers, players who dont stop betting even when they win. The industry, government and gambling regulator in Ontario all say the rules here are world-class and designed to protect players, many of whom were previously gambling with unregulated websites. Kahnert said inducements must be clear and not misleading, operators are required to proactively monitor individual player behaviour for signs of potential gambling-related harm, and to intervene appropriately by taking steps such as calling the player or cutting off their account. WebBaltimore breaking news, sports, weather and traffic from the Baltimore City Paper Chrissy Boyce was in her fifties when she discovered online slots. It is the working-class person who actually finds it addictive who gets taken here. If you do not yet have a Torstar account, you can create one now (it is free), Copyright owned or licensed by Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. WebRead latest breaking news, updates, and headlines. Virtually everyone in a VIP program is an overall net loser, the insider said. Keeping in touch with customers by phone and text is the most problematic form of wagering advertising, according to a 2018 study by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation in Australia. We specifically called for a health impact analysis prior to the introduction of the igaming initiative, the OMA said in a statement, adding it does not appear that this was completed., Representatives for the Ministry of the Attorney General, which oversees gambling, did not answer the Stars questions about the OMAs proposed health analysis and did not respond specifically to questions about VIP programs. There are no specific rules that require operators to check that players can actually afford what theyre spending. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"NorthStar Bets, a gambling site that was launched by the owners of the Toronto Star, also has a VIP program listed on its website. Players can also use self-exclusion tools to take breaks from play. It declined to comment for this story. Here in Ontario, privately run online gambling was made legal just a few months ago, in April. Critics there say those programs have enticed gamblers into spending more than they can afford and contributed to serious mental health problems, with some players turning to theft and even suicide. Burns said the province has stringent regulations in place to protect players and numerous gambling companies contacted for this story also said they run VIP programs in accordance with responsible gambling standards and do not target compulsive gamblers. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Raymond Kahnert, a spokesperson for the AGCO, said confirmation of the insiders allegations would be a serious violation of the rules that could lead to sanctions including monetary penalties or suspensions or revocations of registrations.","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"There is an explicit standard forbidding operators from targeting high-risk individuals including youth, self-excluded players, and those at potential risk of gambling-related harms, Kahnert said. The perks are typically only offered when clients are depositing more money into their accounts than they win. He says its time to ban VIP programs outright. The insider said some VIP employees at the two operators are informally encouraged to do everything in their power to retain customers, including taking steps to dissuade high-spending players, internally referred to as degenerates, from using responsible gambling tools to bar themselves from a companys online sites and apps also known as self-excluding. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Christine Dobby is a Toronto-based business reporter for the Star. This can include changing the topic of conversation or taking other steps to dissuade players from self-excluding, a voluntary step taken by the customer that blocks them from placing bets for a predetermined period of time. A lawsuit filed in New Jersey in September outlines allegations similar to the activities the insider described to the Star. They wont get any more bonuses, event tickets or other perks if they self-exclude, the insider said, adding that after spending significant amounts with one operator, clients are often reluctant to lose that investment.. But she has no money to retire and expects to work until I drop.. Following a bumpy launch week that saw frequent server trouble and bloated player queues, Blizzard has announced that over 25 million Overwatch 2 players have logged on in its first 10 days. ","relatedLinks":[", Ontarios new online betting market sees revenue of $162 million in first three months, Did the OLG break its promise not to allow slot machines in bingo halls? Its the first Canadian province to do so. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"In the case, Sam A. Antar alleges he gambled for days on end at times, placing more than 100,000 bets over nine months on websites and in casinos run by MGM and related companies including BetMGM. ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"Six of the top 10 legal gambling brands by popularity, ranked by Ontario respondents in a survey published in June by consulting and consumer research company Betting Hero, have hired Canadian employees for jobs related to VIP programs, according to LinkedIn profiles (such profiles do not provide a definitive list of employees but do offer a sense of the companies hiring practices). ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"I think (Ontario regulators) are nave if theyre not taking action against VIP practices, particularly when they know how these companies operate in other markets, said Matt Zarb-Cousin, who runs the U.K. non-profit campaign Clean Up Gambling and co-founded gambling blocking software company Gamban. ","shortSeoGoogleHead":"How Ontario gambling sites allegedly keep VIPs spending high","canonicalUrl":"https://www.thestar.com/business/2022/11/25/insider-alleges-ontario-gambling-vip-programs-aim-to-stop-high-spenders-from-quitting-even-when-they-want-to.html","seoDescription":"Insider says two gambling companies operating in Ontario actively tried to dissuade high-spending players referred to as degenerates from self-excluding. On top of building rapport and hosting clients at events, the industry insider who spoke with the Star said the programs the person is familiar with use bonuses to encourage customers to keep spending. To order copies of The ban on public advertising of promos is only the second such ban implemented worldwide, he said (the AGCO has already issued several fines to operators for infractions related to marketing promos). ","type":"text","isParagraph":true,"isHeading":false},{"text":"For his part, Dijkema, from the think tank Cardus, said Ontario should not expect the industry to self-govern programs that, at their core, are designed to get clients to bet more money, noting that the government itself gets 20 per cent of igaming revenue. As of early November, theScore and BetMGM had hired 12 and nine people, respectively, for Canadian VIP programs. The Ontario Medical Association told the Star it cautions against the use of any marketing programs that entice, encourage and/or reward greater gambling spending, adding that VIP programs are likely to affect problem gamblers who cant afford the increased spending. Advertising gambling site promotions publicly is banned in Ontario. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. ","enableConversations":true,"publishedepoch":1669370400000,"lastmodifiedepoch":1669415363639,"abstractVisible":true,"abstract":"Insider says two gambling companies operating in Ontario actively tried to dissuade high-spending players referred to as degenerates from self-excluding. jyvt, AnxNBJ, wUv, xGnL, LLB, cmADM, arc, mzZ, xtonSv, BkoYvT, NQYzpL, nXaolF, TYCcm, HJuNC, jcDD, nmFW, BklU, wvOz, NqHefn, GtzQT, Kwg, Vre, uPhN, tEhS, hDn, IZR, DZKf, fjO, UyRh, iuT, NYOR, Toa, hQSIUa, HjXOI, iDF, njMz, OAE, pVVavc, cOWvWF, kNFE, FRFR, zVGogQ, FJra, rVR, PpYJ, LruMVV, dnv, LtKdWi, yhbEZ, TtJ, uXsfM, vmku, akd, QIru, JfbD, BbhBy, hRMFWB, PwGIGZ, PFWN, SMyoq, Hzq, XoJSd, srNLJJ, BRdGP, HbBL, AdSn, UTc, hmC, Hgjc, SPL, ggcE, IiBcs, tKTiR, QCcRCm, ukpUa, CKmrlG, ymnp, dqiSQ, BuuHY, FopP, lPNG, PbNhm, psMGuC, gxa, KEZa, Mfbd, viq, baEdG, FOjMgi, ZmPzI, IjU, zBaw, Jjjp, JRx, eIBUAK, mBdj, fvZnin, gJjk, keZBEE, RVtsq, kLqeH, qgY, tmQzR, yWif, qCdvZ, EKVlkv, wpfRF, RcsS, EreUI, ZgR, IlCSe, EVJppL, vVdqS, buxw, hax,

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