Sports betting in Ontario
The sports gambling in Ontario has taken a new turn with the Ontario and Federal Governments moving to permitting sports gambling (in the Las Vegas style) in many provincial casinos. Casino earnings in Windsor as well as the Niagara Falls where increased security at the border and high Canadian dollar have caused a lot fewer visitors from America, are actually sagging and to provide them with a boost 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 already have 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 over a “Parlay” betting ticket. The latest gambling proposal would allow sports gamblers to put bets on the result of football, hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball as well as other sports activities as apposed to the Parlay multiple betting system that exists under 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 not allowed in most states other than Nevada Las Vegas and some others. It is because sports leagues that are professional are against getting the sportsbooks in cities which may have baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams.
A hitch in obtaining approval to alter Ontarios Criminal Code could be that the minority government of Federal Conservatives is anxious the New Democrats or the Federal Liberals will oppose this change for purposes that are political. Nevertheless the undeniable 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 experienced layoffs in the Casinos at Niagara recently along with a decline in Fort Erie racetrack patronage because of boost in competition (the New York state has better exchange rates) as well as other issues on the border etc. So it is obvious that a reliable, professional and properly regulated sportsbooks would help in reducing the illegal sports gambling which is taking place on unregulated websites and offshore sites. Sports gambling or betting is a good tourist draw and should be allowed in Canada. It is because it will attract the Americans to the Niagara Falls and Windsor border casinos and offer excellent entertainment and fun. At present gamblers in Canada bet with sports books based in the UK, Caribbean and other countries where sports gambling is legalized.
The Ontario Government that owns the Casino Windsor hopes the sports gambling in Ontario increases together with the improvements being made in this casino. The new Legends Sports Lounge, 36 video-displays, comfortable leather chairs and excellent food will attract the sports fans from all over. The success of sports gambling in Ontario may also be determined by the way the bettors embrace the games offered by the casinos.
