Second penalty issued by AGCO to Great Canadian within a month's span
May 9, 2025, 08:58h.
Last updated on: May 9, 2025, 09:38h.
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Casino Resort Toronto, Casino Ajax, Pickering Casino in Hot Water* AGCO slaps Great Canadian Entertainment with a CAD 151K fine for minors’ access
Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) just can't catch a break – another punishment, this time for alleged minors' access to their Toronto-area casinos, dished out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
After a thorough investigation, the AGCO found four instances where underage individuals somehow made their way onto casino floors, even illegally wagering on gambling activities[1][2][4]. Two of these instances took place at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, while the others occurred at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort[3][4].
To punish GCE for their perceived shortcomings, the AGCO slammed them with a hefty CAD 151K fine[3][4]. It's worth noting that a casino operator hit with a financial penalty can challenge it at the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent body distinct from the AGCO[4].
AGCO CEO and Registrar, Dr. Karin Schnarr, expressed her thoughts: "It's essential for Ontario casino operators to maintain a barrier between casino floors and minors. We’ll continue to scrutinize all casino operators and hold them accountable for following regulations and protecting minors from gambling-related risks[1][5]."
In the province of Ontario, it's illegal for anyone under 19 to access gambling venues, and AGCO guidelines require staff with the appropriate skills, training, and 'nose' for age verification[1][5].
Last month, AGCO brandished a CAD 120K fine against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for failure to detect a cheating scheme and dealer collusion[3]. Through a statement, GCE's Executive Vice President of External Relations and Business Development, Chuck Keeling, vowed: "We’re dedicated to safeguarding the highest standards of security and integrity across our operations. These incidents were voluntarily reported, and we've addressed the issues. We'll keep working diligently to meet all regulatory requirements[3]."
- Great Canadian Entertainment, the operator of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, has found themselves in hot water yet again, following an allegation of minors gaining access to casino floors.
- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has handed out a CAD 151K fine to GCE, citing four instances where minors were illegally involved in gambling activities at three of their properties: Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Casino Ajax, and Pickering Casino Resort.
- If GCE chooses to challenge the penalty, they may do so at the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent body distinct from the AGCO.
- Dr. Karin Schnarr, the CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, emphasized the importance of maintaining a barrier between minors and casino floors, and promised continued scrutiny of Ontario casino operators to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Ontario law prohibits individuals under the age of 19 from accessing gambling venues, and AGCO guidelines stipulate that staff should be equipped with the necessary skills, training, and ability to verify ages effectively.
