The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed a hefty fine of $350,000 on the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto due to significant violations of provincial gaming regulations. The fine is linked to an incident that occurred on September 27, 2024, when an unapproved after-party took place on the casino’s gaming floor. This after-party followed an electronic dance music event held at the venue’s adjacent theatre, leading to a range of severe disruptions and safety concerns.

The event, which was intended to be a controlled electronic dance music performance, spiraled out of hand with widespread intoxication, disorderly behavior, and several criminal and medical incidents, including assaults and overdoses both inside and outside the venue. Despite the presence of paid duty officers, additional police and emergency services were called in to help manage the chaos.

In the midst of this volatile environment, the casino management made the decision to approve an unscheduled after-party at the casino, which allowed the performing artist and over 400 guests to enter the active gaming floor. This impromptu gathering took place while the gaming tables and slot machines were still in operation. The casino’s failure to conduct any prior risk assessment or planning exacerbated the situation.

Security Lapses and Failure to Maintain Control

With the sudden and unauthorized after-party in full swing, casino security was unable to maintain control over the gaming floor. Witnesses reported seeing attendees climbing onto slot machines, further highlighting the security breakdown. The AGCO also noted that the casino’s management failed to report these incidents in a timely manner, which is a violation of regulatory standards. The after-party ultimately compromised both the safety of the patrons and the integrity of the gaming operations.

Quoted in the Thursday news release, Dr. Karin Schnarr, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, said, “Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment. Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor.”

Details of the Fines Imposed

The AGCO’s findings were based on three significant violations of gaming standards, including Failure to Report Incidents Properly, Inadequate Employee Competence, and Failure to Manage Disturbances.

The casino now faces the possibility of further legal action, as it has 15 days to appeal the AGCO’s decision before the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).

A Pattern of Non-Compliance

This penalty is part of a broader pattern of regulatory failures at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. In recent months, the casino has been fined multiple times by the AGCO. In May 2024, it was fined $51,000 for allegedly allowing minors to participate in gambling activities, and in April, a fine of $120,000 was imposed following allegations of cheating involving casino dealers and patrons. These repeated violations signal ongoing issues with the casino’s operations and its ability to maintain compliance with provincial gaming regulations.

In response to the latest fines, a spokesperson for the casino acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and confirmed that several measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences. The casino has expressed its commitment to upholding the standards set by the AGCO and ensuring that similar lapses in security and operations do not occur again.