AGCO targets Great Canadian Entertainment with CA$151K fine

• The Ontario gambling regulator has gone after Great Canadian Gaming again
• The watchdog alleges breaches of gambling laws by three properties
• In this instance, the properties involved allegedly allowed minors to access the gaming floor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a CA$151,000 penalty to Great Canadian Entertainment. The gambling watchdog has cited various alleged breaches of local gambling laws as the basis of the total amount meted out to the company.

AGCO targets Toronto-area land-based casinos anew

In AGCO’s detailing of the case, the regulator specified that there were four instances of minors who were allegedly allowed to access the casino floors. The regulator similarly stipulated that some of these minor individuals were also able to gamble.

The four cases concern the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto where two of these offenses took place, and one offense took place in each Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort, according to an official press release by the regulator shared with the media.

AGCO Chief Executive Officer and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr commented on the case, and said:

"Ontario casino operators have an obligation to ensure minors are not able to access casino floors or activities such as slot machines or table games. The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role."

The regulator reminded stakeholders that they had an obligation not to allow anyone below the age of 19 to access the casino gaming floors, unless they are employed as part of the casino’s own team.

Even then, the regulator said that such individuals would still need to have the necessary competence, skill, experience, and training before they may be allowed onto gaming floors, even in employment capacity.

Not Toronto’s casinos' first regulatory run-in

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto was targeted by enforcement action before, after the regulator issued a CA$120,000 fine against the property in April. The regulator alleged that the property had failed to detect a case of cheating involving two deals and two customers.

In the case of the latest enforcement, the property received CA$51,000, with the other two properties involved each receiving CA$50,000.

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