But as for sparking conversation, that’s a different matter.
Kennedy’s article was featured as the main story on the front page of The Sunday Star and went online last Friday-it’s definitely worth a read. The investigative reporter also made an appearance in a video to discuss his findings:
The editorial board at The Star urged Premier Doug Ford on Monday to “explain and account for the i Gaming Ontario scandal.”
To give our readers a brief overview of the investigation:
i GO commissioned this study (which was later awarded to the Responsible Gambling Council through bidding) several months prior to launching Ontario’s regulated sports betting and igaming market in April 2022. They indicated that this research would be publicly accessible, providing, as Kennedy put it, “a baseline for problem gambling in Ontario while informing how they tailored their responsible gambling program.”
Records obtained by The Star via freedom of information legislation revealed that i Gaming executives expressed concerns when researchers indicated that problem gambling rates were significantly higher than anticipated. Consequently, they opted to keep this research under wraps.
Fearing public disclosure of these findings, i GO considered various damage control strategies including discussions about a “gag order” and as Kennedy noted “other strategies to minimize the chances that researchers may ‘bad mouth’ i Gaming Ontario.”
During this process, there were attempts by i GO to modify the methodology of the study. Gaming News Canada has learned that i GO questioned some aspects of this methodology and thus believed it fell short of what was needed for effective policy development.
The prevalent culture of silence we’ve observed over our five years covering this industry was evident here. Kennedy reported that i GO refused interview requests and did not respond to a detailed list of questions he posed for his piece. Martha Otton, who served as executive director during i GO’s launch in 2022, didn’t reply to Kennedy’s inquiries for comments, nor did Shelley White-then CEO of RGC-who has since retired but joined i GO’s board last year. Current RGC CEO Sarah Mc Carthy also turned down an interview request.
Gaming News Canada reached out to various entities including i GO, RGC, AGCO, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming’s office seeking interviews or statements. Emails sent on Monday and Tuesday remained unanswered by the Ministry’s communications office while both i GO and RGC provided emailed statements. As we went live with this piece today morning, we were still waiting for input from AGCO.
A spokesperson from i GO stated:
“Ontario’s regulated online gaming market has some of the strictest standards in the country, and we continue working with our partners to enhance responsible gaming practices and safeguard players across Ontario.”
“i Gaming Ontario has implemented numerous structural and programmatic enhancements aimed at bolstering responsible gaming efforts. These include nearly $5 million invested over last year into initiatives supporting responsible gaming along with player assistance programs like campus education outreach efforts plus launching Bet Guard-the new self-exclusion tool allowing players opting out from regulated online gaming.”.. . “We will keep expanding these protections while rolling out new tools along with partnerships dedicated towards promoting player well-being throughout Ontario.” “
Our inquiry directed towards RGC focused on two researchers-Iris Balodis & Michael Wohl-engaged by them post being named successful bidders regarding research assistance within their organization alongside whether or not council participated directly within said study. “A representative confirmed involvement adding “under our contract with i GO outcomes belong entirely unto them thus timing pertaining publication decision lies solely upon their discretion.”</Strong>
In present-day Ontario currently led under Conservative governance remains lower veil surrounding agency leaders’ dialogue accessibility towards journalists alike. “As often witnessed previously only individual willing engaging openly became Canadian Gaming Association President/CEO Paul Burns.”</Strong>
“What irks me most is it appears as though we’re concealing something which contradicts foundational principles around transparency & trust inherent throughout industry,” Burns commented during yesterday’s call.
“One concern greatly weighing upon me revolves supporting empirical evidence driven studies anchored onto reliable datasets. “The old saying goes if you cannot measure aspects how do you mitigate risks effectively? Which explains why advocating regulated markets remains critical,”BURNS SAID”.></STRONG>
Moreover he explained CGA backs independent investigations although asserting collaborative endeavors yield fruitful insights aiding resolution finding processes between sectors involved & specialists tasked gathering/analyzing information related thereof.
“Numerous adept scholars exist whom collaborate closely alongside businesses,”BURNS POINTED OUT”.
“Our responsibility coordinates strategy directing focus areas deserving examination/resolution tackling pertinent issues present thereby fortifying framework sustainability long-term respectively too!”
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