Provincial regulator fines Halifax casino for unauthorized dealer

Nova Scotia's Utility and Review Board has fined the operator of the casino in Halifax a total of $75,000 for four violations of provincial gaming regulations.

The largest fine, $25,000, was in connection with the employment of a part-time dealer who had been turned down by the province for registration in 2005.

In Nova Scotia, provincial regulations state that all "gaming assistants" must be licensed by the regulatory authtories and can be turned down if it is believed the applicant may not follow the law or was withholding crucial information.

In a written decision dated July 31, the board is critical of Metropolitan Entertainment Group and its parent company, Great Canadian Gaming Corp. for giving the dealer a job when it was plain that she was not approved by the province.