Ontario Governing Body Imposes Penalty on Great Canadian for Alleged Underage Access Violations
Great Canadian Entertainment copped a huge fine for letting minors into casino gaming spaces at three Toronto-area venues. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) hit them with a penalty of $151,000 for four separate underage access incidents at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Casino Ajax, and Pickering Casino Resort.
Investigators probed instances where kiddos managed to slip past security and sashay onto the gambling floor, taking part in slot play or table games. Under AGCO rules, only those aged 19 or above can enter a gaming zone unless they're in an employment capacity. Staffers must receive training to verify ages and steer clear of underage access, reflecting Ontario's dedication to shielding youth and other at-risk groups from gambling damage.
Dr Karin Schnarr, AGCO CEO and Registrar, stressed the operator's responsibility: "Ontario casino operators have a big responsibility. They need to make sure minors can't enter casino floors or activities like slot machines or table games. The AGCO will keep a close eye on every casino operator and demand they meet this important responsibility."
If Great Canadian Entertainment thinks the penalty is flat-out unjustified, they can contest it before the Licence Appeal Tribunal. This independent body operates under Tribunals Ontario, distinct from the AGCO. Stay tuned to see if they'll take the fight to the tribunal!
- Amidst ongoing gambling trends, the AGCO's recent scrutiny of Great Canadian Entertainment highlights the importance of age verification in casino-and-gambling establishments, as minors were found participating in casino-games at several locations, potential signs of a laxed regime in crime-and-justice matters.
- With the nagging issue of underage access to casino-gaming persisting, general-news outlets are closely monitoring the developments of Great Canadian Entertainment's decision to possibly contest the $151,000 fine at the Licence Appeal Tribunal, a move that could ignite a discussion on casino operators' crime-and-justice responsibilities and policies.
