Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) has accepted a six-figure fine from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for what was described as a ‘serious compliance failure’.
The casino regulator ordered monetary penalties totalling CAD$120,000 (approximately €74,000) against the operator after it was found to be using unauthorised gaming system software at four GCE casino sites in the Canadian province, which bypassed integrity protection requirements related to anti-money laundering (AML).
Bill validators are used in gaming machines to accept and process cash, as well as support AML controls, as they verify the authenticity and value of cash inserted. Since they perform a crucial role, they must be rigorously tested and approved before implementation, a responsibility that falls on casino operators.
Using unapproved software in a live casino environment was described as a ‘serious compliance failure’ by the regulator.
Within its report, the AGCO noted that it discovered 40 instances across four casinos between 20 February and 15 March 2025 where revoked or unapproved bill validator software had been installed, so a fine has been issued.
Dr Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at the AGCO, stated: “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.
“When unauthorised 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. The AGCO will continue to hold all casino operators accountable for meeting Ontario’s high standards of gaming system integrity.”
Great Canadian Entertainment accepts fine
The AGCO added that Great Canadian Entertainment has the right to appeal the Registrar’s action within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, an independent adjudicative body part of Tribunals Ontario.
However, it doesn’t appear as though the operator will do that, as Great Canadian Entertainment has told SBC’s Canadian Gaming Business that it accepts the decision of the regulator.
The company’s statement read: “We have imposed operational and compliance safeguards to prevent future similar incidents. Our organisation remains committed to the highest standards of compliance and accountability for our operations.”
Last year, Great Canadian Entertainment was fined $350,000 for multiple violations of provincial gaming standards, after casino management approved an after-party for an artist and 400 guests following an unruly electronic dance music event at the theatre opposite the casino.
