Great blue heron casino
What Great Blue Heron Casino Is and Where to Find It
Great Blue Heron Casino is a land-based gaming facility owned and operated by the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The property opened in 1997 and has grown into a full-service casino and hotel destination offering slots, table games, dining, and entertainment. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The casino sits at 21777 Island Road on Scugog Island, just outside Port Perry in south-central Ontario. The location is roughly an hour northeast of Toronto by car when traffic allows, making it accessible as both a day trip and an overnight destination. Scugog Island is connected to the mainland by causeway, so you drive directly onto the island to reach the property.
As a First Nations casino, Great Blue Heron operates under agreements between the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The First Nation retains ownership of the land and has decision-making authority over the property. This structure distinguishes it from commercial casinos operated by private companies under direct Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario oversight, though provincial gaming frameworks still apply to First Nations facilities through negotiated arrangements.
The venue includes a 116-room hotel, multiple restaurants, an event space called The Nest that can accommodate nearly 800 people, and a gaming floor with over 500 slot machines and around 20 table games. The property underwent significant renovations between 1999 and 2000 to expand its amenities beyond the original gaming floor.
Great Blue Heron Casino remains open and operational. There is no appointment system or restricted entry window; you can arrive at any time. The casino's island location and resort-style layout give it a more destination-oriented feel compared to urban casinos in Toronto or other Ontario cities.
Is Great Blue Heron Casino part of a larger casino chain?
The property is managed by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, which operates multiple casino and hospitality properties across Canada. However, the land and ultimate ownership remain with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation under a partnership agreement.
Can I visit Great Blue Heron Casino if I don't live in Ontario?
Yes. The casino is open to all visitors who meet Ontario's age requirement for gaming. You will need valid government-issued photo identification to enter the gaming floor, regardless of your province or country of residence.
Gaming Options at Great Blue Heron Casino
The gaming floor at Great Blue Heron Casino divides into four distinct areas: slot machines, live table games, electronic table games, and a poker room. Each format operates under different rules and social expectations, which shapes who finds it comfortable and how much you need to budget.
Slot Machines
The property houses over 600 slot machines spanning penny denominations through higher-stakes options. You'll find three-reel classic mechanical-style games, video slots with bonus rounds and progressive jackpots, and titles from manufacturers including IGT, Aristocrat, and Scientific Games. Penny and nickel slots let you control your per-spin cost by adjusting the number of active paylines, while quarter and dollar machines typically require higher minimum bets but offer larger potential payouts.
Slots require no interaction with dealers or other players. You insert cash or a ticket, choose your bet size, and press a button. The outcome is determined by a random number generator, and the machine pays winning combinations automatically. This makes them the most accessible option if you're unfamiliar with casino games or prefer solo play.
Live Table Games
Great Blue Heron Casino operates live table games including blackjack, roulette, squeeze baccarat, and a selection of minor games. Table counts vary by source but generally exceed 16 live dealer positions. Each game requires you to exchange cash for chips at the table, place bets within posted minimum and maximum limits, and follow specific rules enforced by the dealer.
Blackjack tables typically seat up to seven players. The dealer distributes cards, and you decide whether to hit, stand, double down, or split pairs based on your hand and the dealer's visible card. Roulette involves placing chips on a numbered layout before the dealer spins a wheel; you win if the ball lands on your chosen number, color, or range. Baccarat, including the squeeze variant where cards are slowly revealed, asks you to bet on whether the player hand or banker hand will total closer to nine.
Betting minimums at live tables usually start higher than slot minimums—often $5 or $10 per hand—and the pace is set by the dealer rather than your own speed. You're expected to know basic rules before sitting down, though dealers will correct procedural errors. The social aspect can be an advantage if you enjoy interaction or an obstacle if you prefer privacy.
Electronic Table Games
The casino offers electronic table games, sometimes called e-tables or stadium gaming. These stations present roulette, baccarat, or other table games on individual video terminals, while a physical wheel or card shoe operates in the center. You place bets using a touchscreen and credits rather than chips, but the outcome comes from a real dealer or mechanical device rather than a software random number generator.
Electronic table games bridge slot convenience and table-game mechanics. Minimum bets are usually lower than live tables, you play at your own pace without holding up other players, and you can review game rules on the screen. The trade-off is reduced social interaction and no ability to influence the dealer's procedures, such as requesting a shuffle in blackjack.
Poker Room
Great Blue Heron Casino maintains a dedicated poker room. Poker differs from other table games because you play against other patrons rather than the house. The casino collects a rake—a small percentage of each pot or a time charge—but does not take a position in your hand. The room spreads both no-limit and limit stakes, and you're seated based on availability and your chosen game.
Poker requires a deeper understanding of hand rankings, betting structure, and reading opponents than house-banked games. If you're waiting for a seat, the poker area typically provides access to nearby slot machines or electronic table games. Some poker rooms offer semi-private areas for higher-stakes games, though specific amenities depend on current demand and the property's configuration.
| Gaming category | What it offers | Typical minimum stake | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot machines | Over 600 machines in multiple denominations, including classic reels, video slots, and progressive jackpots from IGT, Aristocrat, and Scientific Games | Penny slots allow bets under $1 per spin; higher denominations require larger minimums | Solo players who want flexible budgets, no rule memorization, and the ability to play at their own pace without dealer or peer interaction |
| Live table games | Blackjack, roulette, squeeze baccarat, and minor games with human dealers; typically more than 16 tables with posted betting limits | Usually $5 to $10 per hand or spin, with higher limits available at certain tables | Players comfortable with table rules, willing to play at the dealer's pace, and interested in the social dynamic of a shared game |
| Electronic table games | Individual video terminals connected to a central roulette wheel or card shoe; outcomes determined by physical equipment rather than software | Generally lower than live table minimums, often starting around $1 to $2 per bet | Players who want table-game mechanics without the pressure of a live dealer or the need to keep pace with other bettors at a shared table |
| Poker room | Player-versus-player poker in no-limit and limit formats; the house collects a rake rather than banking the game | Varies by table and stakes; buy-ins typically start at $100 for lower-limit games | Experienced players who understand poker strategy, hand rankings, and betting structures, and who prefer competing against other patrons rather than the house |
Choosing a Format
Your budget and comfort with rules determine which format makes sense. Slots let you start with small amounts and stop whenever you choose, but the house edge is built into every spin and there's no skill component. Live table games offer lower house edges when you play optimal strategy, but they require a larger bankroll to weather normal variance and the confidence to act in front of a dealer.
Electronic table games reduce the minimum commitment and social pressure while preserving the mechanics and odds of live tables. Poker shifts the competition away from the house, but your results depend entirely on your skill relative to other players and the rake structure. If you're uncertain, start with slots or electronic tables to learn the property's layout and betting denominations before committing to a live game with higher table minimums.
Can I switch between gaming formats during one visit?
Yes. You can move freely between slots, table games, electronic terminals, and the poker room. Cash out your slot credits at a machine or cage, exchange chips at the table where you're finishing, and buy into a new game with cash or a ticket. The casino does not restrict movement between areas, though you'll need to meet any table minimums or poker buy-ins when you join a new game.
Do I need to know the rules before sitting at a live table?
You should understand the basic objective and betting structure of the game before you sit down. Dealers will correct procedural mistakes—placing a bet in the wrong spot or handling cards incorrectly—but they will not teach you strategy or rules from scratch during active play. If you're unfamiliar with a game, watch a table for a few hands, ask a casino host for a brief explanation, or start with an electronic version where you can review rules on the screen without holding up other players.
Are the odds different between live table games and electronic table games?
The mathematical house edge is the same when the rules are identical, because both use physical equipment to determine outcomes. A roulette wheel connected to electronic terminals has the same probability distribution as a traditional live table. The difference lies in minimum bet sizes, betting speed, and whether you interact with a dealer. Electronic games often allow smaller bets and let you play at your own pace, but the underlying odds and payouts mirror the live version of the same game.
How First Nations Gaming Regulation Affects Your Visit
Great Blue Heron Casino operates under a framework distinct from Ontario's commercial casinos. The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation owns and governs the property on reserve land, asserting inherent jurisdiction over gaming within their territory. This arrangement sits outside the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's direct regulatory oversight that applies to commercial venues such as those managed through Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation partnerships.
Who Regulates First Nations Casinos in Ontario
First Nations gaming in Ontario operates through a layered structure involving federal, provincial, and Indigenous jurisdictions. The Criminal Code permits provinces and territories to conduct and manage lottery schemes, but many First Nations assert constitutional authority to regulate gaming on reserve lands under their right to self-governance. The province has historically entered into gaming revenue-sharing agreements with some First Nations communities rather than applying the standard commercial licensing regime.
The AGCO regulates commercial casinos, internet gaming through iGaming Ontario, and charitable gaming across the province. First Nations casinos on reserve land typically do not hold AGCO licences. Instead, they may operate under band council resolutions, internal gaming codes, or agreements that recognise the community's jurisdiction while establishing revenue-sharing arrangements with the province. These structures vary by community and the agreements in place.
What This Means for Player Protections
The practical protections you experience at a First Nations casino depend on that community's internal gaming regulations and any operational agreements governing the property. Many First Nations have adopted gaming codes that set standards for fairness, dispute resolution, and responsible gambling measures. These codes may mirror provincial standards in some respects and differ in others.
Game fairness, payout percentages, and equipment testing protocols at First Nations venues are generally managed through the community's regulatory framework rather than AGCO inspection regimes. Some properties contract independent testing laboratories or adopt equipment standards comparable to those used in commercial venues. Others rely on supplier certifications and internal auditing. The transparency and enforcement mechanisms available to you as a player will differ from the complaint and investigation procedures the AGCO provides for commercial sites.
Dispute Resolution and Complaints
If a dispute arises at Great Blue Heron Casino, your recourse begins with the property's internal complaint procedures and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation's gaming authority. You cannot escalate a First Nations casino dispute directly to the AGCO in the way you would for a commercial property. The community's gaming code or internal regulations define the complaint process, decision-making authority, and any appeal rights.
Some First Nations gaming frameworks include independent adjudication panels or appeal bodies; others vest final authority in the band council or a designated gaming commission. Before visiting, you can ask the property for a copy of the applicable gaming regulations or complaint procedures. Understanding these mechanisms in advance clarifies where you would turn if you believe a payout was incorrect, a machine malfunctioned, or a policy was applied unfairly.
Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion
Responsible gambling tools at First Nations casinos depend on the policies the community and operator have adopted. Many properties offer self-exclusion programs that allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from the premises. These programs typically operate independently of provincial self-exclusion systems, meaning a self-exclusion from a commercial Ontario casino does not automatically apply to Great Blue Heron Casino, and vice versa.
If you have excluded yourself from OLG properties or through ConnexOntario's provincial program, confirm separately with Great Blue Heron Casino whether those exclusions are recognised. Some First Nations venues participate in reciprocal exclusion agreements; others maintain separate lists. Problem gambling support contacts and on-site resources vary by property. You should verify what tools are available rather than assuming the same provincial supports apply.
The distinction matters because enforcement mechanisms differ. AGCO-regulated properties face licensing consequences for violating exclusion protocols. First Nations venues answer to their own governance structures, which may have different enforcement priorities and penalties.
Requirements and Policies for Visiting Great Blue Heron Casino
Planning your first visit means understanding what documentation you need at the door, how payment works on the floor and at the cage, and what policies govern conduct inside the venue. Each requirement gates a different part of your experience, and knowing them in advance prevents delays or surprises when you arrive.
Age Verification and Entry
Ontario law requires casino guests to be at least 19 years old to enter the gaming floor. Security staff will ask for government-issued photo identification at the entrance, and this applies to everyone approaching the gaming area, not only those who intend to gamble. Acceptable forms of ID include a valid driver's licence, passport, Canadian citizenship card, or permanent resident card. The document must show your full name, date of birth, and photograph. Expired identification is not accepted.
If you are staying at the hotel but are under 19, you can access hotel rooms, restaurants, and other non-gaming amenities, but you will not be permitted on the casino floor. Security monitors entrances and may verify age at multiple points throughout the property.
Players Club Membership
Great Blue Heron Casino participates in the Great Canadian Rewards program, a loyalty network shared across multiple properties operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. Membership is free and optional, but it unlocks rewards points, promotional offers, complimentary play credits, and invitations to members-only events. You do not need to join the program to play, but without a card your activity will not accumulate toward future benefits.
You can register online before your visit or sign up in person at the rewards desk on the gaming floor. Online enrollment requires you to verify your identity using Interac document verification, which confirms your name and date of birth against your government-issued ID. In-person registration requires the same ID you used to enter the casino. Once enrolled, you receive a physical card that you insert into slot machines or present to table game dealers to track play. Points accumulate based on the amount wagered, and higher tiers unlock additional perks such as priority reservations, birthday bonuses, and exclusive promotions.
Payment Methods and Cage Policies
The casino accepts Canadian currency for all gaming transactions. You can exchange cash for chips at table games or insert bills directly into slot machines. ATMs are available on the gaming floor if you need to withdraw additional funds during your visit, and they dispense Canadian dollars. Credit cards are not accepted for purchasing chips or loading slot credits, but you can use them at ATMs subject to your bank's cash advance fees and limits.
When you finish playing and want to cash out, bring your chips or printed slot vouchers to the cashier cage. The cage operates 24 hours and handles redemptions of any size, but larger payouts may require additional identity verification and tax documentation. Canadian residents who win a jackpot or prize over a certain threshold may be asked to complete a tax form and provide a Social Insurance Number. The casino does not impose withdrawal limits on your winnings, but it may delay large payouts to complete verification procedures or arrange for secure payment methods such as a cheque if you prefer not to leave with a large amount of cash.
Conduct and Dress Code
Great Blue Heron Casino does not enforce a formal dress code. Casual attire is permitted throughout the property, including jeans, T-shirts, and athletic wear. The venue attracts a mix of day-trippers and overnight guests, and the atmosphere remains relaxed rather than formal. That said, shirts and footwear are required at all times, and clothing with offensive language or imagery may result in a request to change or leave.
Conduct policies prohibit aggressive behaviour, verbal harassment, and intoxication that disrupts other guests. Security staff monitor the floor and have the authority to remove guests who violate these policies. Photography and video recording are generally not permitted on the gaming floor without prior approval from casino management, as many guests prefer privacy while gambling.
Self-Exclusion and Responsible Gambling Checks
Ontario operates a voluntary self-exclusion program that allows individuals to ban themselves from entering casinos for a specified period. If you have enrolled in this program, your name appears on a list shared with gaming venues across the province, and you will be denied entry if identified at the door. Self-exclusion is enforced through ID checks at entry points, and violating a self-exclusion agreement can result in removal and trespassing charges.
The casino also provides access to responsible gambling resources, including brochures at the players club desk, contact information for problem gambling support organizations, and trained staff who can direct you to help if you request it. Unlike some commercial casinos, First Nations venues in Ontario are not subject to the same regulatory requirements for mandatory spending limit tools or real-time session monitoring, so these features may not be available on the gaming floor. If you need to set personal limits, you must track your activity independently or seek support outside the venue.
| Requirement or policy | Why it matters | What you need to bring or verify |
|---|---|---|
| Age verification at entry | You must be 19 or older to enter the gaming floor. This is enforced at every entrance, and security will turn you away without valid ID. | Government-issued photo ID showing your full name, date of birth, and photograph. A driver's licence, passport, citizenship card, or permanent resident card will work. The document must be current, not expired. |
| Great Canadian Rewards membership | Joining the players club is optional, but without it you will not earn points, comps, or promotional credits. Your play goes untracked, and you miss invitations to members-only events. | The same government-issued ID you used at entry. Online enrollment requires Interac document verification; in-person signup happens at the rewards desk on the gaming floor. |
| Cash and cage transactions | The casino does not accept credit cards for chips or slot credits. ATMs charge cash advance fees. Large payouts may trigger identity checks and tax forms. | Canadian currency for gaming. Your ID again if you cash out a large amount or win a jackpot. Canadian residents may need to provide a Social Insurance Number for tax reporting. |
| Conduct and attire rules | Casual dress is allowed, but shirts and shoes are required. Disruptive behaviour, harassment, or visible intoxication will get you removed. | No specific documents, but be prepared to follow basic conduct expectations. Photography on the gaming floor requires prior approval from management. |
| Self-exclusion enforcement | If you have enrolled in Ontario's voluntary self-exclusion program, you will be denied entry. Violating a self-exclusion agreement can result in trespassing charges. | Your ID is checked against the self-exclusion list at entry. If you are on the list, you will not be admitted regardless of how much time has passed since your last visit. |
Meeting the age requirement at the door does not exempt you from further verification when cashing out large amounts or joining the rewards program. Each checkpoint serves a different purpose, and the casino treats identity, payment, and responsible gambling policies as separate compliance obligations rather than a single entry process.
Dining, Entertainment, and Other Amenities
Great Blue Heron Casino offers several on-site dining venues, a full-service hotel, live entertainment programming, and event spaces that extend the property beyond a slots-and-tables destination. How much these matter depends on whether you're making a day trip or planning an overnight stay, and whether you prefer sit-down meals or quick counter service between gaming sessions.
Restaurants and Bars
The property includes multiple dining options spanning full-service restaurants, casual counter outlets, and a bar. The Mnjikaning Room serves as the primary fine-dining venue, offering steak, seafood, and regional dishes with table service and an expanded wine list. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings and special event nights when demand peaks.
Counterpoint Café provides counter-service breakfast, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items throughout the day. This works when you want something quick without leaving the gaming floor for long. Pricing runs lower than the sit-down restaurant, and the layout accommodates solo diners who prefer fast turnover.
The property also operates a lounge area with a bar serving beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. Seating around the bar allows you to watch live sports on mounted screens, and the venue occasionally hosts promotional nights tied to major sporting events or concert weekends. Hours typically extend later than the restaurant, aligning with gaming floor traffic patterns.
Hotel Accommodations
Great Blue Heron Casino includes an on-site hotel with standard rooms, suites, and accessible units. Room rates vary by season, day of week, and local event schedules; weekend rates during summer and fall tend to run higher than midweek winter pricing. Booking directly through the casino's reservation line or website sometimes yields package deals that bundle room nights with dining credits or match play coupons for the gaming floor.
Guest rooms include standard amenities such as private bathrooms, televisions, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. Suites add separate living areas and larger bathrooms, which suits small groups or guests planning multi-day visits. The hotel connects directly to the casino floor via interior corridors, eliminating the need to go outside in winter or during rain.
Staying on-site removes the need to drive after an evening of gambling and drinking, a practical consideration given the rural location and limited nearby taxi or rideshare availability. It also lets you split your visit across multiple sessions rather than committing to one long block of gaming time.
Live Entertainment and Events
The casino schedules live entertainment acts in its event centre and lounge, typically featuring tribute bands, comedians, and regional musicians. Performance frequency peaks on weekends and during holiday periods. Some shows are free with general admission to the casino, while others require purchased tickets. Seating arrangements vary by event; some concerts offer reserved seating, while others use general-admission standing or lounge seating.
The venue also hosts private events, group bookings, and community gatherings in dedicated event spaces separate from the main gaming floor. These rooms accommodate meetings, banquets, and social functions, with catering available through the property's food service operation. If you're considering a group outing or corporate event, the casino's events team handles room setup, audio-visual equipment, and meal planning.
Seasonal promotions sometimes tie entertainment to gaming floor activity, offering entry into prize drawings or match play for guests who attend a concert or comedy show. Check the property's event calendar before your visit to see what's scheduled and whether tickets are required.
Other Guest Services
The property provides complimentary parking in surface lots adjacent to the main entrance. Accessible parking spaces are located near the doors, and the facility meets accessibility standards for entryways, restrooms, and gaming floor circulation. ATMs are available near the casino cage and in the hotel lobby, though they carry the usual third-party transaction fees.
A Players Club desk near the main entrance handles membership registration, card replacements, and questions about promotional offers or point balances. Earning and redeeming points for dining, hotel stays, or free play requires active membership, so registering early in your visit maximizes the value of your gaming activity.
These amenities broaden the property's appeal beyond dedicated gamblers, making it a viable option for couples or groups where not everyone prioritizes gaming. The hotel and dining options also let you pace your visit across a longer window rather than compressing everything into a single afternoon or evening session.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Support
Great Blue Heron Casino operates under the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation's governance framework, which shapes how responsible gambling measures are implemented on the property. The venue is managed by Great Canadian Entertainment, which has received RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council for its responsible gambling practices across its casino portfolio. This accreditation covers player safeguards, staff training, self-exclusion options, and advertising standards.
Self-Exclusion Programs
You can request self-exclusion directly at the casino by speaking with security or guest services staff. A self-exclusion agreement bans you from entering the gaming floor for a period you choose, typically ranging from six months to several years. Once enrolled, your photograph and details are shared with security personnel, and you will be removed from the property if identified. Breaking a self-exclusion is trespassing, and any winnings during that period are forfeited.
Self-exclusion at Great Blue Heron Casino is property-specific. It does not automatically extend to other casinos in Ontario, whether they are First Nations-operated venues or commercial properties regulated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. If you want broader coverage, you need to enrol separately at each venue or use province-wide tools for online gambling.
Ontario launched BetGuard in May 2026, a self-exclusion tool that covers all regulated online gambling sites in the province, including those licensed through iGaming Ontario and OLG's digital platforms. BetGuard allows you to exclude yourself for periods ranging from six months to five years. It does not, however, cover land-based casinos such as Great Blue Heron Casino. Online and physical self-exclusion registries remain separate systems.
Spending Limits and Session Controls
Land-based casinos in Ontario, including Great Blue Heron Casino, do not offer the same session time limits, deposit caps, or automated spending alerts available on regulated online gambling platforms. The gaming floor uses cash, chips, and players club cards, but these systems do not enforce pre-set spending thresholds the way digital wallets do. You control your budget manually by deciding how much cash to bring, setting a personal stop-loss before you arrive, or asking a companion to help you stick to a limit.
Automated teller machines are available on-site, which makes it easy to access more money during a session. If you are concerned about overspending, consider leaving bank cards and credit cards in your vehicle or hotel room, withdrawing your gambling budget in advance, and bringing only that amount onto the floor.
Problem Gambling Support Contacts
ConnexOntario operates a 24-hour helpline at 1-866-531-2600 that connects Ontario residents with mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services. The service is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages. You can also reach ConnexOntario by text, live chat, or email through connexontario.ca, or search its online directory for local treatment providers.
The Responsible Gambling Council offers additional resources at responsiblegambling.org, including self-assessment tools, educational materials, and referrals to counselling services. OLG's website at olg.ca/finding-help provides similar information and links to provincial support networks, though it focuses primarily on OLG-operated properties and online platforms rather than First Nations casinos.
Staff Training and Intervention
Great Canadian Entertainment's RG Check accreditation requires staff training in recognising signs of problem gambling and responding appropriately. Floor staff, security personnel, and guest services are trained to identify behaviours such as extended play without breaks, chasing losses, visible distress, or requests for credit after funds are exhausted. When staff observe these patterns, they may approach you to offer information about responsible gambling resources or self-exclusion options.
The decision to intervene is discretionary. Staff are not required to stop you from gambling, and they cannot force you to leave unless you are intoxicated, disruptive, or violating house rules. If you prefer not to engage, you can decline the conversation, though the information remains available at guest services desks and through printed materials posted around the property.
Can I exclude myself from Great Blue Heron Casino online?
No, you must visit the property in person to enrol in self-exclusion. Great Blue Heron Casino does not offer an online self-exclusion registration process. You need to speak with security or guest services staff directly to complete the agreement.
Does self-exclusion at Great Blue Heron Casino apply to other Ontario casinos?
No, self-exclusion is property-specific. Enrolling at Great Blue Heron Casino does not ban you from other First Nations casinos or commercial venues regulated by the AGCO. You must register separately at each location if you want broader coverage.
What happens if I enter the casino during my self-exclusion period?
If security identifies you during a self-exclusion period, you will be asked to leave immediately. Re-entering the property while self-excluded is considered trespassing, and any winnings you earn during that time are forfeited. Repeated violations may result in prosecution.