Organized crime members and others who engage in criminal activities have been banned from casinos that operate in Quebec, the provincial government announced June 18. The order came down after the release of an independent audit on organized crime and casinos.
The government has pledged to implement the recommendations of the audit and added that procedures in place at Loto-Quebec casinos are “solid.” Loto-Quebec is the crown corporation that operates the province’s gaming.
One of the 39 recommendations is to adopt a policy of suspending players who have a “high-risk” profile, including canceling their memberships in casino loyalty programs.
The casino will also be authorized to conduct stricter background checks on players and their sources of funds. The police and Loto-Quebec will be encouraged to share resources to fight money laundering and organized crime activities.
After the audit was released, Loto-Quebec released a statement noting that several recommendations are already in place. It added that it was “constantly on the lookout for best practices in the fight against money laundering” and notes that organized crime is “always refining its methods.”
