May 9, 2025, 08:58h.
AGCO Slaps a Second Fine on Great Canadian Within a Month
Last updated on: May 9, 2025, 09:38h.
Mark Keast Read MoreGambling MisdemeanorsMinor AccessCanadian CasinosAGCO CrackdownGreat Canadian Entertainment
Once again, Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) finds itself in hot water, this time with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) slapping them with a CAD 151,000 fine for letting minors step foot in their Toronto-area gambling dens — Casino Ajax, Pickering Casino Resort, and Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. It's not just a stroll down the red carpet, either; these prancing punks were allegedly caught gambling like barnyard roosters[1][3][5].
According to an AGCO statement, they've got the dirt on four separate incidents where minors, under the age of 19, managed to bypass security like nothing shy of Houdini[1]. The sneakiest little devils even hit the tables and slots, presumably betting on whether their pet hamster would pick the correct slip of paper from a hat.
Two of these incidents occurred at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, while one each took place at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort[1]. AGCO won't let the whole thing slide; even casino operators need to step up and keep minors off the premises, their slot machines, and table games[3]. If they don't, they'll catch a hefty fine and a stern talking-to from Chief Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr.
"We ain't got time for your shenanigans, casino operators. minors have no business in our gambling joints," Schnarr said, apparent chip on her shoulder[3].
Second Fine in a Month
This fine is the second one GCE has endured from the AGCO in less than a month. Last month, they were hit with a CAD 120,000 fine, indeed a tough nut to swallow[2]. The culprit this time? Failure to prevent underage gambling and detect a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme at one of their properties[2].
"We've got more security than the Pentagon, but even we've got our weaknesses," said Chuck Keeling, Executive Vice President of External Relations and Business Development for Great Canadian Entertainment[2]. "We take full responsibility, reported the incidents ourselves, and are doing everything in our power to avoid any further mishaps."
[1] "Minors Caught Gambling in Toronto Area Casinos", AGCO Statement, May 9, 2025.[2] "Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto Fined for Failing to Detect Cheating", The Toronto Star, April 12, 2025.[3] "AGCO Cracks Down on Ontario Casinos, Issues Fine to Great Canadian Entertainment", CBC News, May 9, 2025.[4] "Tips for Identifying and Preventing Underage Gambling", AGCO Website.[5] "Casino Operators and Minors", AGCO Compliance Manual.
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) fined Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) CAD 151,000 for allowing minors to access their Toronto-area casinos, including Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
- In four separate incidents, minors were caught gambling at Casino Ajax, Pickering Casino Resort, and Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
- The operator, Great Canadian Entertainment, was previously fined CAD 120,000 by the AGCO for failure to prevent underage gambling and a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme.
- The AGCO has emphasized the need for casino operators to ensure minors are kept off the premises and away from gambling activities.
- Chief Registrar Dr. Karin Schnarr, from the AGCO, has warned that failure to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines and stern reprimands.
