$120K Fine for Great Canadian Entertainment: Ontario Regulator Cracks Down on Unauthorized Casino Software

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has imposed a $120,000 penalty on Great Canadian Entertainment for deploying unauthorized bill validator software across four of its Ontario casino properties. The regulator identified 40 instances of revoked or unapproved gaming software being used between February 20 and March 15, 2025.

Bill validators are critical components of electronic gaming machines, responsible for authenticating currency and maintaining transaction records to prevent money laundering. The AGCO emphasized that unauthorized software undermines these safeguards, compromising both casino integrity and public trust.

“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,” stated Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the 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.”

The penalty affects one-third of Great Canadian Entertainment‘s Ontario properties, which include some of the province’s largest revenue-generating casinos. The company operates 12 casino destinations in Ontario, with locations like Casino Woodbine and Casino Pickering contributing millions in local revenue. In Q4 2025-26, these properties generated over $7.8 million combined for their host municipalities.

Despite the fine, Great Canadian Entertainment has expressed respect for the AGCO’s decision and its commitment to maintaining high gaming standards. “We respect the AGCO’s decision and its role in enforcing the standards that guide the gaming industry,” said Chuck Keeling, Executive Vice President of External Relations and Business Development. “We have imposed operational and compliance safeguards to prevent future similar incidents. Our organization remains committed to the highest standards of compliance and accountability for our operations.”

Casino operators in Ontario have 15 days to appeal monetary penalties to the License Appeal Tribunal. The AGCO continues to enforce strict gaming system integrity standards across the province.