Ontario Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Machines Targeting Children
Ontario's Attorney General, Doug Downey, has echoed the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's (AGCO) mission to eliminate illegal gambling in the province. The AGCO has been actively cracking down on operators and affiliates promoting what it deems illegal gambling activities, particularly those accessible to children and youth.
The AGCO has recently revoked the lottery retailer registrations of several businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for operating unauthorized electronic gambling machines branded as Prime Slot. These machines, marketed as games of skill, primarily rely on chance, similar to traditional slot machines. Dr. Karin Schnarr, the AGCO's chief executive officer and registrar, stressed that such unapproved machines have no place in convenience stores or other locations accessible to children and youth.
In a bid to strengthen control over the gambling market, the AGCO has reminded licensed land-based casino and charitable gaming facility operators that any promotion, bonus, or credit described as 'free' must comply with applicable regulatory standards. Retailers facing registration revocation have the right to appeal the AGCO's decision within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT).
Intensified efforts to combat illicit gambling in Ontario have been led by the AGCO, with provincial law enforcement agencies collaborating to address illegal gambling operations. A recent survey revealed a significant increase in Ontarians gambling with regulated operators, with 83.7% of people now doing so, compared to less than 30% before the provincial market's re-regulation three years ago.
The AGCO's proactive stance on illegal gambling, supported by Doug Downey, the Attorney General of Ontario, aims to protect the public, especially children and youth, from the risks associated with unregulated gambling machines. With increased awareness and stricter enforcement, the province aims to maintain a safe and controlled gambling environment.
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