$151,000 in Fines: Casinos in Hot Water!

Three casinos in the Greater Toronto Area are under fire after failing to keep minors off their gaming floors. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) revealed they are facing hefty fines totaling $151,000 due to serious violations of underage gambling regulations.

Details of the Allegations

According to AGCO's announcement, Great Canadian Entertainment has been penalized after multiple instances of minors allegedly accessing casino areas and participating in gambling activities. The infractions reportedly occurred four times across three locations: twice at Great Canadian Casino in Toronto, once at Casino Ajax, and once at Pickering Casino Resort.

The fines break down to $51,000 for the Great Canadian Casino Resort in Toronto, while Casino Ajax and Pickering Casino Resort are each facing penalties of $50,000.

Protecting Youth: AGCO's Stance

Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO of AGCO, emphasized the importance of safeguarding young people, stating, "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."

Lack of Specifics on Incidents

While the AGCO did not disclose the number of minors involved or the exact timing of these incidents, they affirmed that this enforcement action highlights their commitment to protecting youth and vulnerable individuals.

Strict Standards Required

Casinos in Ontario must adhere to strict regulations to prevent underage access. Under AGCO's standards, facilities are required to ensure that only eligible patrons aged 19 and over are allowed entry, barring employees working on-site.

Recent Penalties Add to the Pressure

This isn't the first time Great Canadian Casino Resort has faced scrutiny. Just last month, they were fined $120,000 after failing to stop a cheating scheme involving dealers and a group of patrons. The AGCO reiterated that operators can appeal fines through the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

The Ongoing Battle Against Underage Gambling

As the pressure mounts on casino operators, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle to uphold integrity and safety in gambling venues, especially when it comes to protecting minors.