Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE) has been fined CA$120,000 (US$84,328) by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) due to issues related to casino software. The AGCO noted that unauthorized gaming system software was in use across several Ontario casino websites. Between February and March 2025, there were 40 instances where account validation software was either canceled or not verified.
Bill validators, which are common in gaming machines, play a crucial role in verifying the legitimacy of cash inserted into the terminals and are a control measure for anti-money laundering practices. The AGCO emphasized that casino operators must ensure that any changes to gaming systems undergo proper review, testing, and authorization before they can be implemented. The use of unapproved software in a live casino space represents a significant compliance failure.
According to Ontario law, operators facing an ‘Order of Monetary Penalty’ can appeal the decision within 15 days of receiving the notice. This appeal process is managed by the Licence Appeal Tribunal, part of Tribunals Ontario and independent from the AGCO.
The AGCO’s responsibilities extend beyond land-based gambling, with increasing concern about the online gambling market in Canada. Recent weeks have highlighted the necessity for regulatory measures in this sector. Ongoing initiatives to enhance player protections in Ontario include the recent introduction by iGaming Ontario of a self-exclusion program called BetGuard, which is now available throughout the province for all regulated iGaming activities.
