The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced today a CAD $350,000 penalty against Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto due to what the AGCO described as several breaches of provincial gaming regulations.
The penalties focus on an unplanned after-party electronic dance music event that took place in the early morning on the casino gaming floor.
The dance event took place on Sept. 27, 2024, and drew thousands of attendees, held in the theater next to the casino.
The occasion featured Boris Brejcha, a DJ and record producer from Germany. Brejcha often dons a joker mask at his events, inspired by a design from the Carnival of Venice.
As per the AGCO, in a statement released today, the event spiraled out of control. There was chaotic conduct, widespread intoxication, multiple criminal and medical events both inside and outside the venue. Among those were supposed attacks, instances of drug overdoses, and acts of public indecency.
Officers on paid duty were present at the party, yet extra police and emergency services were needed to assist with the situation. Inability to retain control jeopardizes the security, safety, and integrity of the casino floor. AGCO stated today that the operator did not quickly inform AGCO about the incident at the event, contrary to requirements.
"Casino operators have a fundamental duty to control their gaming environment,” said Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registar, AGCO. “Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto’s lapses in this incident compromised the safety of patrons and the security and integrity of the gaming floor.”
Casino management granted an unplanned request from the performer to hold an after-party on a live gaming floor, where the artist and 400 guests celebrated. The performer acted in the midst of functioning table games and slot machines, lacking any previous risk analysis or preparation.
Security staff were unable to manage the situation, as witness accounts indicated that a participant was scaling slot machines. Great Canadian has 15 days to contest the Registrar’s ruling.
"We honor the AGCO’s decision and completely recognize its responsibility in establishing and upholding the standards that direct the gaming sector," stated a spokesperson for Great Casino Resort Toronto. “We accept complete accountability for this event, and we have taken comprehensive measures to resolve it and have implemented several compliance protections to avert a similar occurrence." Our whole organization stays deeply dedicated to the utmost standards of accountability and compliance.
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