Single-event sports wagering might become a reality in Ontario, as the conversation surrounding its legalization was sparked once again. The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Unifor Local 444 took matters into their own hands this time, triggering an honest conversation about the positive impact of legalization. Windsor-Essex officials were also present, listening carefully to the conversation and considering their next move.
Political representatives had the chance to also participate in the conversation and share their position on the potential of this change in the Criminal Code of Canada. NDP MP Brian Masse was also present at the roundtable and speaking his mind on the pros and cons of legal sports wagering for Windsor-Essex. He made it clear that there is a great potential for legal sports wagering in the area.
Ontario Might See Legal Betting
There is Caesars Windsor with its constant flow of individuals already interested in the gaming offerings it has up for grabs. Utilizing this potential and transforming it into something advanced could be a step in the positive direction for the area. Mr. Masse stated that such a move is projected to modernize the local gaming field and make it competitive enough to neighboring US gaming operation.
Canadian players are crossing the border on a regular basis in order to participate in legal sports wagering. Some CA$110 million go to offshore bookmakers, online sports betting, as well as wagering in the US on an annual basis. Projections are that this amount is only going to grow in the future, the longer Canada stays away from legalizing single-event sports wagering.
It is also a way for organized crime to continue its business uninterrupted. Mr. Masse made it clear that criminal organizations offer illegal sports wagering on single events, as this is players’ only alternative to traveling for hours on end south. It is also an alternative to the pari-mutuel sports betting currently offered by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
Officials Evaluate the Opportunity
New York is a state, which launched in-person sports betting this summer, but now there is the state of Michigan working on its sports betting set of regulations. Ever since May 2018 the state has been working on ways in which it could offer legal sports wagering to its players. Its proximity to Canada would inevitable see even bigger flocks of individuals making their way south.
The special roundtable saw Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association, speak his mind. He claimed that Canada would fall back in this evolving field if it remains opposition to single-event sports wagering in casino venues. Attempts at legalizing it have been made in the past, but to no avail. Mr. Burns clarified that there have been about eight attempts in the past. Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government presented its 2019 budget paving the way for sports wagering legalization push.
Estimations at this point are that legal sports wagering could bring CA$14 million to Canada, as well as make it competitive to the rapidly developing US. 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.
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