Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto fined $255K following chaotic concert and afterparty

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto has been fined CAD 350,000 (US$255,132) after a concert and afterparty in September 2024 spiraled out of control, leading to assaults, drug overdoses, and public indecency.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) issued the fine, citing multiple violations of provincial gambling regulations, Global News reported. The incidents took place on September 27 during an electronic dance music event held at the casino.

The regulator described the event as being marked by "widespread intoxication, disorderly behaviour, and numerous criminal and medical incidents—both inside and outside the venue." Emergency services were called in after initial security and on-site police could not manage the situation.

Despite some police presence at the event, AGCO noted that the level of disruption overwhelmed the venue's resources. In the aftermath of the concert, casino management permitted the performer and approximately 400 attendees to move onto the gaming floor for an unsanctioned afterparty.

The AGCO reported that this move further strained casino security, which was "unable to effectively control the casino floor," citing witness reports of an individual climbing onto slot machines.

In response to the fine, a spokesperson for the casino accepted the regulator’s decision. “We respect the AGCO’s decision and fully acknowledge its role in setting and enforcing the standards that guide the gaming industry in Ontario,” it said in a statement.

“We take full responsibility for this incident. We have acted thoroughly to address it and have imposed multiple compliance safeguards to prevent a similar incident,” it added. “Our entire organization remains firmly committed to the highest standards of compliance and accountability.”