Canadian gambling enthusiasts are always on the pursuit of new gaming offerings that could elevate their experience. Ontario players are especially prone to exploring the opportunities available in the US and especially in New York. Now that the New York State Gambling Commission has given its official nod to the set of rules that will guide the future sports wagering field, Ontario players are projected to make their way there, but could the government prevent this from happening down the road?
Legal wagering on sports events is going to become a reality in Upstate New York in the foreseeable future, as the proposed bills received a green light. Brick-and-mortar facilities in the region will be able to welcome in-person bets from people of legal age at the beginning of August, as the commercial and tribal casino venues will have to obtain their licensing for operation first. When all is said and done, eleven facilities will have the opportunity to live up to the expectations of people from across the state, as well as Canada.
Ontario Lawmakers Eye Major Expansion
This attraction is ultimately projected to lead to a fundamental change in Canada’s approach to gambling. When Ontario players begin flocking south to the commercial casinos such as Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County; del Lago Resort & Casino near Waterloo in the Finger Lakes; Tioga Downs west of Binghamton, and Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady the government might take seriously the looming issue.
For the time being, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government made obvious its intention with the help of the blueprint for the 2019 budget. It includes language for legalized single-event sports betting, as well as new casino venue features, such as free alcohol consumption for all players. The 300-page document aims to bring a breath of fresh air to the local field and make Ontario as competitive as possible in the light of recent expansion south.
At the moment, sports betting is allowed within the province, but only when it comes to betting on multiple sports events. This often times lead to players preferring offshore sportsbooks and betting their cash overseas. As a result, some CA$110 million slip through their fingers on an annual basis instead of being reinvested in the host communities welcoming casino operation.
Online Gaming Could Also Be Legalized
Local lawmakers are willing to bring a change in the near future that will make it possible for players to receive the gambling they crave within the borders of the country. This approach could make it redundant for them to cross the border and make it to New York. When it comes to gambling in general, Ontario players spend up to CA$500 million on an annual basis, another concerning estimation that should be taken into account.
It should also be taken into account that Ontario currently faces a budget deficit of CA$11.7 billion that should be handled with care and eliminated down the road. Projections are that the year 2024 could bring a complete elimination of the deficit. Sports betting could also come sooner to Ontario, as Peter Curtis, a founding partner of Toronto-based Pathway Group made evident his desire to push Ottawa officials in this new direction by lobbying on behalf of theScore.
This could push local lawmakers in the direction of legalized sports betting that would make the province much more competitive to US-based rival casinos. Niagara Falls, Ontario currently experiences the influence of neighboring Niagara Falls, New York, which boasts free alcohol at Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino. The tribal venue would soon launch legal sports wagering on its premises, instantly becoming more attractive for Ontarians.
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