Canadian gambling regulators are threatening to shut down an online sportsbook, accusing it of failing to prevent and report suspicious NBA bets.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario announced that it plans to suspend PointsBet Canada’s online gambling registration for five days.
The regulator charges PointsBet with failing to monitor, detect, document, and report suspicious betting patterns tied to the Jontay Porter NBA gambling scandal.
Porter played for the Toronto Raptors before his lifetime NBA ban. He later pleaded guilty in the U.S. to wire fraud conspiracy in 2024 and awaits sentencing. He admitted to rigging prop bets related to his performance in games.
The company can appeal the suspension of its online gambling registration.
AGCO CEO Karin Schnarr said in a statement:
“Safeguarding the integrity of sports and Ontario’s sports betting market is a top priority for the AGCO. We require all operators to have robust systems and comprehensive staff training in place to reliably detect and report suspicious activity. Our regulatory framework is clear—operators must be equipped to detect and effectively respond to integrity risks, and we will take appropriate action when these standards are not met.”
Timeline of PointsBet Allegations
In early 2024, after allegations of insider betting on Porter emerged, the AGCO directed Ontario-regulated sportsbooks to confirm whether they had offered Porter bets.
Despite the inquiry, PointsBet failed to promptly inform the AGCO about such bets. It said it didn’t take any on Porter, the AGCO said.
In October 2025, a U.S. indictment revealed Porter’s case was part of a wider scheme.
After this became public, the AGCO instructed all regulated operators to again confirm if any suspicious betting had occurred on Porter markets.
Eighteen months later, PointsBet finally admitted it had offered betting on Porter in those games.
Regulations require these wagers be detected and reported when placed.
More Trouble for PointsBet
PointsBet has repeatedly violated Ontario gaming regulations, the AGCO said.
In May 2022, the AGCO fined PointsBet for advertising and inducement violations.
In November 2023, the government fined PointsBet for violating Ontario’s responsible gambling standards.
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