AGCO removes more than 50 illegal gaming machines from retail establishments
The regulator conducted more than 200 inspections in July and August.
Canada.- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has announced that inspectors conducted more than 200 inspections at liquor-licensed and lottery retail establishments in July and August, leading to the removal of more than 50 devices branded under the name Prime Slot.
The regulator said the unlicensed machines had been operating in restaurants, convenience stores, and other locations accessible to minors and other vulnerable groups.
It said: “Prime Slots machines have been marketed as games that only require skill, but AGCO testing determined that these machines ordinarily rely on chance. Because of this, they are not permitted under Canadian law unless they are from a licensed supplier, approved and used in a regulated space like a casino or charitable gaming centre.”
Karin Schnarr, chief executive officer and registrar at AGCO, commented: “While other jurisdictions grapple with the entrenchment of these unlawful gaming machines, the AGCO has taken a proactive stance to ensure they do not take root here in Ontario. Our recent regulatory actions are a clear demonstration of our comprehensive approach and our long-term commitment.”
AGCO recently revoked the lottery seller registrations of a number of retailers in the Greater Toronto Area because they had unapproved electronic gambling machines.
