Sports gambling in Ontario
The sports gambling in Ontario has taken a different turn with the Ontario and Federal Governments moving towards permitting sports gambling (in the Las Vegas style) in many provincial casinos. Casino revenues in Windsor and the Niagara Falls where increased security on the border and high Canadian dollar have caused a lot fewer visitors from America, have been sagging and to provide them with a lift Ottawa has been urged by Queens Park to amend and change the Criminal Code of Canada and also to create legal casino sportsbooks.
Casinos in Ontario have already got infrastructure of sportsbooks with scoreboards, seating and TV screens set up however the betting has been limited to Pro-line where they are able to choose the results or outcomes of only three or more events on a “Parlay” betting ticket. The latest gambling proposal would allow sports gamblers to put bets for the result of football, hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball as well as other sporting events as apposed for the Parlay multiple betting system that exists in the government run Pro-Line lottery.
The new sportsbooks would give the casinos in Ontario a very huge advantage over US competitors as sportsbook gambling is just not allowed in many states other than Nevada Las Vegas and a few others. It is because sports leagues that are professional are against having the sportsbooks in cities that have baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams.
A hitch in getting approval to change Ontarios Criminal Code could be that the minority government of Federal Conservatives is anxious the New Democrats or the Federal Liberals will oppose this transformation for purposes that are political. However the fact that sports gambling in the casinos of Niagara Falls and Windsor might be a great competitive benefit and advantage as sports gambling is considered unlawful in New York and Michigan.
Sadly the inhabitants of Niagara have observed layoffs in the Casinos at Niagara recently along with a decline in Fort Erie racetrack patronage due to boost in competition (the New York state has better exchange rates) as well as other issues on the border etc. Therefore it is obvious that a trustworthy, professional and effectively regulated sportsbooks would help reduce the illegal sports gambling that is taking place on unregulated websites and offshore sites. Sports gambling or betting is a superb tourist draw and must be allowed in Canada. This is because it can attract the Americans to the Niagara Falls and Windsor border casinos and provide excellent entertainment and fun. Currently gamblers in Canada bet with sports books located in the UK, Caribbean and also other countries where sports gambling is legalized.
The Ontario Government which owns the Casino Windsor hopes the sports gambling in Ontario will increase together with the improvements being made in this casino. The brand new Legends Sports Lounge, 36 video-displays, comfortable leather chairs and excellent food will draw in the sports fans from all over. The prosperity of sports gambling in Ontario will also be determined by the way the bettors accept the games provided by the casinos.