Three casinos in Ontario, including the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto located at Woodbine Racetrack in northern Toronto, are facing a combined total of $151,000 in fines imposed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This penalty stems from allegations that minors accessed gambling activities on their premises.
The AGCO initiated investigations into four separate incidents, which involved two cases at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, as well as one case each at Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort. The commission claims that individuals under the age of 19 allegedly gained entry to the casino floors where they participated in various gambling activities.
Although the AGCO provided details regarding the fines issued—$51,000 for Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto and $50,000 each for Pickering Casino Resort and Casino Ajax—no further specifics were released about the number of minors involved or the exact timing of the incidents. This lack of detail raises questions about the effectiveness of age verification measures at these establishments.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, the CEO of AGCO, emphasized the responsibility of Ontario casino operators in ensuring that minors do not have access to gambling activities. In her statement, she asserted, "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. The AGCO will continue to monitor and hold all casino operators accountable for fulfilling this important role."
The casino operators have the right to appeal against these fines. This incident marks the second time in less than a month that the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto at Woodbine Racetrack has faced penalties from the AGCO. Earlier, on April 16, the provincial regulator fined it a hefty amount of $120,000 due to allegations concerning cheating involving casino dealers and a group of patrons.
The recent imposition of fines mirrors ongoing concerns regarding regulatory compliance among gaming establishments in Ontario. This situation highlights the need for better enforcement of age restrictions in casinos and reflects growing scrutiny of gambling operations across the province. Keeping minors out of casinos not only aligns with legal obligations but also safeguards the integrity of gambling as a responsible adult activity.
As the AGCO continues its oversight, the casino industry must prioritize compliance with age regulations to avoid further penalties and maintain public trust. This case serves as a critical reminder for all casino operators about the importance of stringent monitoring and enforcement procedures related to age verification.
