AGCO Fines Great Canadian $120K Over Unauthorized Gaming Software
Posted on: June 29, 2026, 04:55h.
Last updated on: June 29, 2026, 04:55h.
- AGCO fined Great Canadian Entertainment $120,000 after finding unauthorized bill validator software installed at four Ontario casino properties
- Regulator identified 40 instances of revoked or unapproved gaming software deployed between February 20 and March 15, 2025
- AGCO says unauthorized gaming software bypasses critical safeguards designed to protect casino integrity, anti-money laundering controls and public confidence
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has fined Great Canadian Entertainment $120,000 for using unauthorized gaming system software at four Ontario casinos.
Unauthorized Software Deployed
According to a statement, the AGCO found that Great Canadian Entertainment, one of the country’s largest casino operators, deployed revoked or unapproved software for bill validators on slot machines at their properties. AGCO inspectors found compliance failures on 40 separate instances between February 20 and March 15, 2025.
Bill validators are components within electronic gaming machines that accept and process cash. The technology helps protect the property against money laundering by authenticating currency and creating transaction records for money that’s inserted.
The AGCO requires casino operators to protect the integrity of their gaming systems by making sure they are independently tested, approved and operating as intended,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO.
“When unauthorized software is used in a live casino environment, it bypasses critical safeguards that are meant to uphold the integrity of gaming and the public’s confidence in the system.”
Integrity Controls Bypassed
Great Canadian Entertainment operates 12 casino destinations in Ontario, meaning one third of the company’s Ontario properties were impacted by the alleged compliance failure.
That portfolio includes the largest casino revenue generators in the province, based on the latest municipality gaming revenue instalment payments data released by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Quarterly payments to municipalities that host casinos are based on a graduated scale of slot machine revenue, as well as a share of table game and sportsbook revenue at casinos that offer those services.
Appeal Process Available
In Q4, ending March 31, 2026, Casino Woodbine paid out just over $4 million, and Casino Pickering just under $3.8 million, both Great Canadian Entertainment properties.
“The AGCO will continue to hold all casino operators accountable for meeting Ontario’s high standards of gaming system integrity,” said Schnarr.
A casino operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty can appeal the Registrar’s actions within 15 days to the License Appeal Tribunal.
Casino.org reached out to Great Canadian Entertainment for comment but we have yet to hear back.
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