Going Cashless Is the Way to Go for Casinos, Robert Kroeker Lawyer Recommends

The Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering saw a busy Tuesday, as more individuals and corporations had the chance to reveal their thoughts, experiences, as well as recommendations for the ways in which the local gambling field could be improved as to prevent money laundering from taking place. Christine Mainville, a lawyer for Robert Kroeker, pointed out that placing a limit on the amount of cash at casinos might the way to go.

Reducing the amount of cash permitted at a casino venue might be a winning approach when battling money laundering practices down the road. This position was expressed by the lawyer representing Robert Kroeker this Tuesday. Ms. Mainville pointed out that this could happen with the introduction of cashless casino payments, as well as bank drafts and cheques.

Cashless Casinos in Canada

Over the past two decades, casino workers have witnessed numerous cases of loan sharks making their way to a casino floor with a duffel bag filled with CA$20 bills. Their job is to continue supplying high rollers with the cash they need for their gambling activities. This iconic imagery has become synonymous with money laundering practices, as it has continued for years going unnoticed by the CCTV and casino management.

• Richmond Locals Unveil Their Truth about Casino, Real Estate Money Laundering

However, casino staff members standing before the Cullen Commission had the chance to tell their side of the story and be heard for the first time. Thanks to this position, they had the freedom to share their thoughts without the worry that this could affect their employment or well-being. Ms. Mainville was among the speakers that were under the spotlight on February 25.

• B.C. Casino Loan Shark Faces Yet Another Money Laundering Lawsuit

She represents Mr. Kroeker, who has held positions at British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, as well as the Civil Forfeiture Office of British Columbia. She made it clear that one of the most adequate approaches to this situation would be for the province to mandate that cashless casinos become the standard.

BCLC Implemented Many Recommendations

Reducing the amount of dollar bills making their way to the casino floor is projected to be a winning move, as it would make it easier for the watchdogs to keep track of suspicious cash transactions and everything that could point towards cash washing. Mr. Mainville also pointed out that this proposed measure does not undermine the efforts already introduced by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. The Dirty Money report came with numerous recommendations that are gradually implemented.

• First Money Laundering Public Inquiry Meeting Comes to Vancouver

Cashless casinos might be the future for a crime-free gambling field in British Columbia and this has not been the first push in this direction. Cascades Casino Delta was supposed to be the first completely cashless casino venue in Canada, as well as in North America, but for the time being no real action has been taken in this direction. Robin McFee, counseling James Lightbody, President of BCLC, said that steps towards money-laundering prevention have been taken.

• Alleged Money Laundering Kingpins Won’t Lay Hands on Their CA$2m

At the moment, Mr. Lightbody is on a leave but during the time he spent being president of the corporation, he has achieved a lot eyeing complete elimination of money laundering. This Tuesday was the second day of hearings regarding the money-laundering inquiry. February 26 is about to see the third and last day of this first phase, collecting more information coming directly from leading executives.