The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed a $151,000 fine on Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) for allegedly failing to prevent minors from accessing gaming floors at its Toronto-area casinos. This marks the company’s second fine in less than a month.
Details of the Violations
AGCO’s investigation uncovered four separate incidents in which minors gained entry to casino floors, with some engaging in gambling activities.
- Two incidents occurred at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
- One incident each at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort.
AGCO issued the $151,000 penalty to GCE, noting that the company may appeal the fine through the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent regulatory body.
Previous AGCO Fine & Regulatory Compliance
This latest penalty comes shortly after AGCO fined Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto CA$120,000 for failing to detect a cheating scheme involving dealer collusion.
AGCO CEO and Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr reinforced the importance of compliance, stating:
“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.”
Ontario law prohibits individuals under 19 from entering gambling venues, and AGCO regulations require casino employees to be properly trained in age verification procedures.
Great Canadian Entertainment Responds
Great Canadian Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of External Relations and Business Development, Chuck Keeling, acknowledged the violations:
“We hold ourselves to the highest standards of security and integrity across our 23 operations nationwide. These incidents were self-reported, and we accept the AGCO’s determination. We’ve taken corrective action and remain fully committed to meeting all regulatory requirements going forward.”
With two regulatory fines in quick succession, GCE faces increased scrutiny as it works to strengthen compliance measures across its casino operations.
