Ottawas Hard Rock Casino Receives Substantial Penalty from Ontario Gaming Authority
The well-known Hard Rock Ottawa casino, located in Canada’s capital city, has been issued a hefty fine of $227,250 CAD (roughly $173,850 USD) for numerous violations. An audit conducted by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) revealed a staggering 36 infractions at the venue.
Among the most concerning discoveries were breaches in anti-money laundering procedures, including promotional efforts directed at individuals who had voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling. The AGCO also determined that Hard Rock Ottawa had failed to act upon concerns raised by their own internal auditors and had not sufficiently safeguarded their gaming systems against potential security vulnerabilities.
Further intensifying the situation, the regulatory body also claimed that Hard Rock Ottawa had not adequately educated its personnel on essential policies, particularly those pertaining to anti-money laundering measures.
Tom Mungham, CEO and Registrar of the AGCO, released a firm statement underscoring that the regulator would be closely monitoring the casino’s operations going forward. He declared, “The AGCO is responsible for ensuring that casinos operate with honesty, integrity and for the benefit of the public.” He emphasized that these sanctions should serve as a clear message for Hard Rock Ottawa to rectify its practices, and the regulator will be vigilant in ensuring the necessary improvements are implemented.
Similar to any gaming establishment, the Ottawa Hard Rock Casino is contesting a ruling from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). They are escalating the matter to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent body that mediates such disputes.
The situation arose after DraftKings Canada received a $100,000 penalty earlier this month. The AGCO alleged that the company violated regulations concerning gambling advertising in Ontario, asserting they went beyond acceptable limits.
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