The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has levied a $120,000 fine against Ontario Gaming GTA Limited Partnership, owner of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, alleging they failed to detect a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme.
Dealers Helped Patrons Claim $20,000 In Illicit Winnings
In March 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) laid charges against five individuals. The charges followed an investigation into allegations that two table games dealers at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto were in collusion with a group of casino patrons.
The AGCO conducted a subsequent compliance review and confirmed that the dealers had engaged in a cheating scheme on multiple occasions with the same group of patrons. This ultimately led to nearly $20,000 in illicit winnings in less than one week.
The scheme involved the alleged execution of various dealer cheat moves, including: intentionally exposing cards that were supposed to remain face down while dealing, inappropriately overdrawing the dealer’s cards, and overpaying on winning hands.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s Staff Failed To Detect The Cheating Scheme
The AGCO’s review found Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s surveillance and supervisory pit staff failed to detect the cheat scheme.
“Ontario’s registered casino operators have an obligation to ensure the integrity of game play in their casinos,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, AGCO Chief Executive Officer and Registrar.
“This includes a responsibility to detect and prevent collusion and cheating. The AGCO will continue to monitor and take all necessary steps to uphold the integrity of gaming in Ontario’s gaming sites.”
Casino Staff Failed To Follow Audit Procedures
In addition, the review determined that casino staff failed to follow proper table games audit procedures. Such regulations are put in place to ensure rules of play are followed by dealers and patrons.
Casino operators who receive monetary punishments by the AGCO Registrar have the right to appeal the Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.
This is Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s second recent incident involving allegations of a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion at the casino.
In September 2023, the casino, then known as Casino Woodbine, was also fined $80,000 for having a dealer illegally assist guests. An investigation revealed an electronic craps dealer helped patrons siphon money out of the casino’s coffers.
The Canadian gambling market differs a bit from the American side.
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