In a recent move by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), Ontario Gaming GTA Limited Partnership, operating under the name Casino Woodbine, has been hit with a heavy penalty. The penalty, which totals an astounding $80,000, comes in the wake of allegations surrounding a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme taking place within the very walls of Toronto’s famous Woodbine Casino.
This penalty serves as a stern reminder of Ontario’s stringent gaming laws, which mandate that all casino operators in the region have effective controls in place. These controls are not just for show, they’re vital in stemming the tide of potential criminal activities that can plague such establishments. These activities aren’t limited to just cheating; they encompass a broad range of underhanded tactics, including the collusion between casino patrons and the very staff that are supposed to oversee fair play.
The seriousness of the issue came to light when the AGCO’s Regulatory Compliance Branch undertook a comprehensive compliance review of the casino’s operations. Their findings were damning. Not only did Casino Woodbine allegedly fail to spot these illicit activities, but they also seemingly took no discernible action against the emerging cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme, even when the evidence was readily available. Such blatant disregard or oversight, intentional or not, puts the casino’s patrons at risk and tarnishes the integrity of the gaming industry.
Delving deeper into the specifics of the breach, the AGCO pinpointed multiple alleged infringements of the Gaming Control Act of 1992. This act stands as the bedrock of Ontario’s gaming regulations, ensuring that both operators and players adhere to a strict code of conduct. The violations include:
- Standard 4.3, paragraph 2: This standard is clear-cut in its directive, mandating that operators must ensure that there’s adequate supervision in place. This supervision is crucial for ensuring that all necessary procedures, which prominently include the rules of play, are followed to the letter.
- Standard 4.14: This standard emphasizes the significance of having mechanisms in place that can deter, prevent, and detect any form of collusion and cheating. It’s a protective measure meant to uphold the sanctity of the games played and to ensure that every player gets a fair shot at winning.
- Standard 6.1, paragraph 1: The third and final violation speaks to the need for operators to actively conduct risk assessments. These assessments aren’t just a formality; they’re an essential step in pinpointing potential unlawful activities. This includes, but is not limited to, money laundering, fraud, theft, and of course, cheat-at-plays.
The combined weight of these violations paints a troubling picture, but it’s worth noting that Casino Woodbine is not without recourse. Any casino operator who finds themselves at the receiving end of a monetary penalty issued by the AGCO can contest the decision. The avenue for this is an appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). The LAT operates independently of the AGCO, falling under the umbrella of Tribunals Ontario. It ensures that operators are granted a fair hearing and due process.
This case surrounding Casino Woodbine serves as a pivotal moment for Ontario’s gaming industry. It underscores the dire need for transparency, vigilance, and above all, a commitment to fair play. As the situation unfolds, industry stakeholders, patrons, and regulatory bodies alike will be watching closely, waiting to see what actions Casino Woodbine takes next and hoping for a future where such breaches are a rarity, not a headline.
