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Ontario’s gambling regulator has fined theScore Bet $200,000 over two cash-out offers shown to a player for his parlay with a high payout. According to the AGCO, the case involved a $1,000 wager placed in March 2025 with a potential payout of more than $1 million. The player was shown two separate cash-out amounts after most of the parlay had already won, but neither transaction was completed.
The AGCO determined that the offers were misleading. The case is the latest enforcement action by the AGCO as they take a proactive approach to maintain a safe and fair regulated market in Ontario.
The wager was placed on March 14, 2025. It included NHL, NBA and NCAA basketball selections. Once every pick except one had won, theScore Bet displayed a cash-out offer worth approximately $380,000. The player accepted it, but the transaction was rejected during an automated verification process after the odds had changed.
About four minutes later, another cash-out offer appeared for nearly $100,000. The player tried to accept that amount as well, but the second request was also rejected. The final leg of the parlay eventually lost, leaving the player with no payout.
Since the cashout was offered and theScore Bet failed to follow through, the AGCO found that this was worthy of a $200,000 fine.
The AGCO found that theScore Bet violated Standard 4.07 of Ontario’s internet gaming standards. That rule requires operators to provide players with clear and accurate information about things such as prizes. Cash-outs fall under this section.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, stated that “Operators have a responsibility to ensure that the gaming opportunities they present are accurate and can be honored as described.”
In this case, the AGCO concluded that the two cash-out offers did not meet that standard because they were shown to the player and then essentially retracted.
The size of the penalty stands out compared with some of the regulator’s other recent enforcement actions. NorthStar Gaming was previously hit with a $100,000 fine over multiple compliance issues. Betty Gaming later received a $120,000 penalty in a separate case.
That makes theScore Bet’s $200,000 fine among the largest ever issued by the AGCO, reflecting the severity of this case.
It also highlights the issue with the cash-out feature. Sportsbooks need to follow through with what is offered. Otherwise, it’s not fair to the player.
theScore Bet can appeal the AGCO’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
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