Ontario regulator cracks down on illegal gambling machines in Greater Toronto Area stores

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is revoking the lottery registrations of several Greater Toronto Area retailers caught with illegal gambling machines under the Prime Slot brand.

The machines, which function like slot machines, were installed in convenience stores and other locations where gambling is not allowed. Manufacturers claim the devices are “games of skill,” but the AGCO argues they are mostly based on chance.

“Unapproved gambling machines have no business being in convenience stores or other locations, particularly those that are available to children and youth,” said Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at AGCO.

The regulator said it will continue targeting illegal gambling machines, especially in public locations. 

Retailers served with a Notice of Proposed Order to revoke their registration have the right to appeal the decision within 15 days to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent adjudicative body under Tribunals Ontario.

Unregulated machines like these have become more common in North America in recent years, often bypassing gaming laws under the guise of skill-based play, the regulator added.

In a separate recent statement, AGCO reminded all licensed land-based casino and charitable gaming facility operators that any promotion, bonus, or credit labeled as “free” must fully comply with regulatory standards.