Toronto police say an influx of illegal gaming houses and casinos in Toronto’s east-end over the past year is leading to a spike in violence.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, St. Sgt. Andrew Ecklund said officers in 42 Division are appealing to the public for help in reporting illegal gaming houses and casinos in north Scarborough.
Investigators have already identified 28 illegal gaming houses and five illegal casinos in the past year, Ecklund said. Most are located in the areas of Midland and Finch Avenues, and Kennedy Road and Passmore Avenue.
Three of the casinos and nine gaming houses have been shut down.
Police have seized cash, large quantities of drugs, firearms, Baccarat and Mahjong tables, slot machines and other gaming equipment.
Officers have also made three arrests in connection with the investigation.
Police are concerned about an escalation in violence “in and around” these locations, perpetrated by “the criminal element,” Ecklund said.
“People have been assaulted, brutally beaten and robbed in front of these locations,” he said, adding officers have also found quantities of cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth.
“We are concerned for the safety of the community members who live in and around these locations, and we’re also concerned for the people who attend these illegal gaming houses.”
A gaming house is typically in a smaller location with two or three gaming tables that hold up to 15-20 people, while casinos are large, well-furnished facilities that look and act like “miniature versions” of legal casinos.
The establishments are typically located in commercial properties or larger industrial locations that are leased under the “guise of a social club.”
Ecklund said police are seeing the “same people” at the different locations, and believe they are linked to organized crime within the Asian community.
“They are dangerous and they are illegal and if anyone is caught in these gaming houses when we executes searches they will be arrested,” Ecklund said, adding property owners also have a duty to “ensure” there is no illegal activity taking place in their rented establishments.
Anyone with information about illegal gaming houses or casinos are being asked to contact 42 Division police at 416-808-4200, or Crimestoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
