The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has launched a sweeping enforcement action against unauthorized gambling machines in the Greater Toronto Area, revoking the lottery retailer registrations of multiple businesses found operating unapproved Prime Slot terminals.
Prime Slot Machines Deemed Illegal Games of Chance
Marketed as “skill-based” entertainment, the Prime Slot devices were installed in convenience stores and other public venues. However, AGCO inspectors determined the machines relied on random number generators—making them games of chance under the Criminal Code. Their placement in family-oriented locations raised serious concerns, especially given their accessibility to minors.
AGCO CEO Condemns Unregulated Devices
“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO’s Chief Executive Officer and Registrar. The regulator emphasized that all promotions labeled as “free” must meet strict compliance standards.
Retailers Face License Revocations and Appeals
Affected businesses received Notices of Proposed Order, triggering a 15-day window to appeal the decision through the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent body under Tribunals Ontario.
Ontario’s Broader Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
This latest action is part of AGCO’s ongoing campaign to eliminate unregulated gambling across the province. The initiative has gained support from Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey, who recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to removing illegal gambling operations.
Shift Toward Regulated Play
A recent survey by AGCO and iGaming Ontario revealed that 83.7% of Ontario residents now gamble with regulated operators—up from less than 30% before the province’s market overhaul three years ago.
