Casinos Facedwith Fines for Allowing Minor Gambling in Toronto and Adjacent Regions
Toronto Casinos Under Fire: AGCO Slaps Three Locations With Fines Over Underage Gambling Incidents
Three casinos in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) — Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Ajax Casino, and Pickering Casino Resort — have found themselves in hot water due to incidents involving minors and gambling activities. In response, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has dished out hefty fines totaling CAD 151,000.
According to AGCO's press release, the culprit behind these lapses is Great Canadian Entertainment, which operates several gaming facilities across Ontario. The minor-related gambling activities transpired in four distinct cases:
- Twice at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
- Once at Ajax Casino.
- Once at Pickering Casino Resort.
Here's the breakdown of the fines levied:
- Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto - CAD 51,000.
- Ajax Casino - CAD 50,000.
- Pickering Casino Resort - CAD 50,000.
In an official statement, AGCO's CEO, Dr. Karina Snarr, emphasized the gravity of this offense and underscored the need for strict age restrictions. AGCO's actions are geared towards both punishment and ensuring the safety and well-being of gaming patrons, particularly the youth and other vulnerable groups.
The AGCO press release did not disclose the exact number of minors involved, the specific dates of the incidents, or the methods these minors used to gain access to the gambling zones. However, the investigation was thorough, following established procedures, and supported by substantial evidence to warrant administrative measures.
Casino staff must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and training to identify and thwart such incidents promptly.
As of now, Great Canadian Entertainment has yet to make any public statements regarding this issue or the imposed fines. However, they have the right to appeal AGCO's decision. Under current legislation, all subjects facing sanctions from the regulator can appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent body responsible for reviewing such appeals.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Great Canadian Entertainment has encountered fines from the AGCO. Previously, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto was punished with a fine of CAD 120,000 for failing to detect a cheating scheme. This highlights the AGCO's commitment to upholding stringent age verification measures and ensuring compliance with laws designed to safeguard minors from gambling activities in Ontario's gaming industry.
- Source 1: Toronto Star
- Source 2: CBC News
- Source 3: CBC News
- Source 4: Toronto Sun
What is the amount of the fines levied on the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Ajax Casino, and Pickering Casino Resort? The fines total CAD 151,000.
Has this been the first time Great Canadian Entertainment has encountered fines from the AGCO? No, previously, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto was punished with a fine of CAD 120,000 for failing to detect a cheating scheme.
According to general news sources, what other supporting evidence has been presented in the investigation, apart from the incidents involving minors and gambling activities at the casinos? Investigations were thorough, following established procedures, and supported by substantial evidence to warrant administrative measures.
