Toronto Casinos Fined for Alleged Underage Gambling

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced the issuing of over $150,000 in fines and penalties Thursday, after multiple alleged age verification failures.

Key Takeaways

• The infractions occurred at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Casino Ajax, and Pickering Casino Resort 
• The AGCO says the incidents reflect failures in age verification protocols and staff training requirements
• This is the second time in a month that the operator has been fined following recent allegations of collusion involving dealers and casino guests

According to the AGCO, which released the report earlier this week, local operator Great Canadian Entertainment failed to prevent minors from accessing gambling on multiple occasions at three separate Toronto-area casinos, with four total infractions found.

“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,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of AGCO. “The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role.”

According to the findings of the investigation, the AGCO found four separate incidents in which minors are said to have gained access to the floors and participated in gambling activities, though the specifics beyond that are at this time unclear.

The infractions are said to have taken place at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Casino Ajax, and Pickering Casino Resort.

“The AGCO is committed to ensuring casinos meet Ontario’s high standards of harm reduction and responsible gambling,” the statement reads in part.

“The AGCO’s Standards require operators to ensure only eligible individuals are permitted into a gambling site and strictly prohibit access to anyone under 19 years of age (except in the course of employment). The Standards also mandate that casino employees have the necessary competence, skills, experience and training to effectively carry out their duties, including age verification.”

Per the release, the operator has been issued $151,000 in penalties and has been served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO Registrar.

Great Canadian Entertainment will also have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal.

Great Canadian Casino Resort continue to face fines

The recent fines mark the second time in less than a month that the Toronto-based casino has faced hefty fines for alleged negligent behaviour.

In recent weeks, the AGCO charged Limited Partnership, owners of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, with a trio of illegal acts – dealing cards face-up while they are supposed to remain face-down, overdrawing the dealer’s cards, and overpaying for winning hands.

The full investigation and probe ultimately revealed that a pair of table-game dealers were working in conjunction with casino visitors, who made out with $20,000 in winnings within a few days.

“Ontario’s registered casino operators have an obligation to ensure the integrity of game play in their casinos,” said Dr. Schnarr.

“This includes a responsibility to detect and prevent collusion and cheating. The AGCO will continue to monitor and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity of gaming in Ontario’s gaming sites.”

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