AGCO Drops $120K Fine on Casino Resort Toronto Over Dealer Cheat Scheme
Posted on: April 16, 2025, 02:54h.
Last updated on: April 16, 2025, 08:17h.
- OPP investigation led to charges in March 2024
- AGCO conducted independent compliance review
- Allegations into two dealers colluding with casino patrons
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a CAD $120,000 fine against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto alleging that they failed to detect a cheat-at-play and dealer collusion scheme at the property.
Nearly $20K in Illicit Winnings in Less than a Week
The fine came out of an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB). In March 2024, IEB, embedded within the AGCO, laid charges against five individuals.
The investigation was into allegations that two dealers at the casino were in collusion with a group of casino patrons.
The dealers were alleged to have been involved in several dealer cheat moves:
- Intentionally exposing cards that were supposed to remain face down while dealing
- Inappropriately overdrawing the dealer’s cards
- Issuing overpayments on winning hands
“Ontario’s registered casino operators have an obligation to ensure the integrity of game play in their casinos,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO. “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.”
Several Dealer Cheat Moves
The AGCO conducted its own compliance review after the charges were laid and confirmed the dealers had engaged in cheating on multiple occasions with the same group of patrons leading to almost CAD $20,000 in illicit winnings in less than one week.
According to the AGCO review, Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s surveillance and supervisory pit staff failed to detect the cheat scheme, and casino staff failed to follow proper table games audit procedures, which are in place to ensure dealer and patrons follow rules of play.
Great Canadian can appeal the AGCO Registrar’s decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
“We acknowledge the fine issued by the AGCO and reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy for any behaviour that has the potential to compromise game integrity,” said Chuck Keeling, a Great Canadian spokesperson. “We will continue to support all efforts to prosecute those responsible.”
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