Ontario Minister supports casino debate

Ontario Minister Charles Sousa said he will not delay the debate on casino controversy.

Canada.- The Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa has confirmed that he will not delay the casino resolution related to “halting a takeover deal for casinos with a company whose flagship operation in British Columbia is at the centre of a probe” due to potential money laundering operations.Sousa stated that the regulatory review by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario into reports of money laundering at casinos in B.C.’s Lower Mainland is a normal “routine.”

Under the Minister’s statement, the gaming companies have been dismissed of worse allegations in regards to its financial operations.The governmental official also explained that Great Canadian Gaming Corp., which operates one of the casinos, “faces no criminal allegations.” He added that the investigation and debates related to the issue will not be delayed by his administration.The review over casino activity in Ontario began this week under the control of the local gambling regulator.

“The review follows the release of a report done for the B.C. government that alleged large volumes of “undocumented” cash were moving through Great Canadian’s River Rock Casino in Richmond, B.C.,” explains the statement.The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has set the review.

“When AGCO receives any concerns or any indications that they should investigate and review those activities, I think it’s appropriate,” commented the Minister. “There is no indication of anything that’s been untoward in the province of Ontario,” he said. “I’m not about to defame a public company that’s operating effectively in Canada. I’m more concerned with public good and public safety.”