Ontario Regulator Takes Action Over Unapproved Gambling Machines
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has removed unapproved gambling machines from several retail stores across the Greater Toronto Area.
According to AGCO, the retailers in question were running the machines under the Prime Slot brand. Each retailer has since had its lottery seller registration revoked by AGCO.
Registered lottery sellers served with a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke their registration can appeal the decision. This must be done within 15 days and presented to an adjudicative tribunal that is part of Tribunals Ontario and independent of AGCO.
The Ontario regulator did not name the stores in which the gambling machines were placed.
AGCO Blasts Gambling Machine Placement in Ontario Stores
According to AGCO, more unregulated gaming machines are being placed in regions across North America.
While the machines largely rely on chance, AGCO said manufacturers claim they are games of skill. As such, they have installed terminals in convenience stores and other locations where gaming machines would otherwise be prohibited.
AGCO said it would continue to take action to protect the public against the risks associated with unregulated machines. It said it would focus particularly on locations easily accessible to children and younger people.
“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” AGCO CEO Karin Schnarr said.
