AGCO fines Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto for collusion

AGCO Imposes $120,000 Fine on Ontario Gaming GTA Limited Partnership for Fraud Involvement

In a significant enforcement action, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has levied a fine of $120,000 against Ontario Gaming GTA Limited Partnership, the operator behind the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. This penalty arises from the company’s failure to identify a fraudulent scheme and instances of collusion amongst its dealers.

In March 2024, following an in-depth investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police’s Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) — which collaborates closely with the AGCO — five individuals were charged. This investigative effort uncovered a conspiracy involving two table game dealers collaborating with a group of casino patrons, resulting in approximately $20,000 in illicit winnings over a mere week.

Compliance Audit Findings

The AGCO’s compliance audit highlighted substantial lapses in oversight at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. Specifically, it was revealed that the casino’s compliance and enforcement personnel failed to detect the ongoing fraudulent activities. Additionally, the audit pointed out deficiencies in adherence to mandatory table game auditing procedures. Alarmingly, this is not the first incident of its kind at the casino, emphasizing a worrying trend of cheating and collusion within its operations.

Statement from AGCO Leadership

Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, emphasized the paramount responsibility of registered Ontario casino operators to uphold the integrity of gaming. “It is imperative that casinos remain vigilant against collusion and cheating. The AGCO will persist in monitoring these establishments closely and implementing necessary measures to safeguard the integrity of gaming across Ontario,” she stated.

Context and Next Steps

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, which opened its doors in June 2023 adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack, now faces heightened scrutiny. The operator retains the right to appeal this penalty before the Licence Appeals Tribunal (LAT), an independent adjudicatory body within the Ontario Tribunals framework. Such appeals are crucial for operators seeking to challenge regulatory decisions and demonstrate their commitment to compliance and ethical gaming practices.

This incident serves as a critical reminder to the gaming industry at large: maintaining rigorous compliance standards and ensuring substantial oversight is essential for fostering a trustworthy gaming environment. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, operators must prioritize integrity to not only protect their business interests but also to maintain consumer trust and adherence to regulatory frameworks.