City : Toronto

Category : See Posting

Industry : Government

Employer : Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest. Come join our growing team!

The Regulatory Compliance Branch is seeking a Judge to play a key role in maintaining the integrity, safety, and fairness of racing in Ontario. This position ensures that all requirements under the Horse Racing Licence Act and the Rules of Racing are consistently upheld, while overseeing the conduct of racing officials, owners, trainers, drivers, and others involved in the care and control of horses. This role is critical to protecting the public interest and supporting a secure and well-regulated racing environment.

In this role, the successful candidate will:

• Officiate racing by observing contests to ensure fair competition.
• Make rulings and assign penalties, and provide evidence at appeal hearings to support those rulings.
• Participate in investigations into alleged rule violations and recommends improvements to investigative procedures.
• Make operational decisions at the racetrack.
• Ensure the accurate completion of official documentation (daily reports, race programs, race charts) in collaboration with other Judges.
• Work closely with the Central Adjudication Room by sharing information, receiving guidance, and ensuring decisions align with regulatory expectations.
• Keep the Senior Judge and fellow Judges fully informed to support consistent decision-making and smooth race operations.
• Participate in Judges’ hearings as required to support fair, transparent, and timely resolution of racing matters.
• Supervise all Commission and association officials and employees in the performance of their duties.
• Provide guidance to minor officials during the running of the races.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Thorough knowledge of the Standardbred Rules of Racing.
• Many years of directly related experience in racing, management, or officiating.
• Demonstrated history of good compliance within the racing industry. 
• Completion of Standardbred Canada’s examination and accreditation to be hired as a Judge.
• Racing Commissioners International (RCI) accreditation.
• Demonstrated track record of strong compliance within the racing industry.
• Sufficient knowledge of legal procedures to conduct fair and judicial hearings
• Familiarity with federal and provincial statutes relevant to racing
• Strong knowledge of horsemanship and understanding of the training and care of racehorses
• Political acuity to interact with all stakeholders, including experience with stakeholder consulting and collaboration.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, demonstrating professional judgment, collaboration, and consultative skills.
• A willingness to travel and work variable hours (including nights, weekends, and statutory holidays).
• A valid driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.

About the AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.

What we offer

The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.
  

   

• The AGCO is transitioning to four days per week in-office effective October 20, 2025, and 5 days per week in-office effective January 5, 2026.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code. 

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request.