A popular Niagara Falls casino has been fined by the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The fine came after exchanging $80,000 in chips for a high-risk player and allowing him to get out without gambling.
In a news release, AGCO announced a $70,000 fine against MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc., $10,000 less than the money laundered. The company operates the Fallsview Casino Resort.
AGCO alleges that in April 2023, a patron visited the controlled gaming area Salon Priv. There, the patron gave $80,000 in $100 bills filled with market bags to a casino attendant. When the money is counted, the patron leaves the table. Carry casino chips without playing games.
AGCO also said the patron had previously been identified as high risk by casino authorities. However, the matter was not reported to the officials or the local police. It was meant to be though.
In addition, Fallsview did not take any meaningful steps to ascertain the source of the patron’s funds. However, according to the gambling registrar’s standards, this is the rule to prevent money laundering.
A Fallsview spokesperson said in a statement to CTV News Toronto that it has repeatedly disagreed with the AGCO’s decision. Fallsview Casino Resort Company is committed to complying with all regulations. We will be appealing this decision and look forward to presenting our case.
