Judge

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.

What You Will Do:

• 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.

• 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 association officials and employees in the performance of their duties.
• Provide guidance to minor officials during the running of the races.

You Have: 

• Thorough knowledge of the applicable Standardbred and/or Thoroughbred Rules of Racing.
• Completion of Standardbred Canada’s examination and accreditation requirements to qualify for appointment as a Judge.
• Directly related experience in horse racing, racing officiating, or racing operations, with the ability to make sound operational decisions and exercise independent, impartial judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply rules, investigate alleged violations, make rulings, assign penalties, and support decisions in formal hearings and appeals.
• Knowledge of legal procedures and applicable federal and provincial legislation relevant to horse racing.
• Strong communication, analytical, and documentation skills, including the ability to communicate decisions clearly and collaborate effectively with fellow Judges and racing industry stakeholders.
• A valid G driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work variable hours, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nice to Have:

• Extensive experience as a Judge or in a comparable horse racing regulatory or officiating role.
• Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) accreditation or equivalent advanced training in racing officiating or adjudication.
• Demonstrated experience handling complex racing investigations, formal hearings, appeals, or contentious regulatory matters, including the assessment of evidence and application of the Rules of Racing.

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.
  

Please note that only applications submitted through the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted. 

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. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to [email protected]. The subject line should read “Accommodation in Application – [Position Title].

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.