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 several provincial casinos. Casino revenues in Windsor as well as the Niagara Falls where increased security on the border and high Canadian dollar have caused a lot fewer visitors from America, are actually sagging and to provide them with a lift Ottawa has been urged by Queens Park to amend and alter 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 in place but the betting has been restricted to Pro-line where they can select the results or outcomes of only three or more events on a “Parlay” betting ticket. The latest gambling proposal will allow sports gamblers to put bets for the outcome of football, hockey, baseball, soccer, basketball and other sporting events as apposed for the Parlay multiple betting system that exists under the government run Pro-Line lottery.
The brand new sportsbooks would give the casinos in Ontario a very huge advantage over US competitors as sportsbook gambling is not allowed in many states except Nevada Las Vegas and some others. This is because sports leagues that are professional are in opposition to having the sportsbooks in cities that have baseball, basketball, football and hockey teams.
A hitch in getting approval to change Ontarios Criminal Code is that the minority government of Federal Conservatives is anxious the New Democrats or the Federal Liberals will oppose this transformation for purposes which are political. Nevertheless the undeniable fact that sports gambling within the casinos of Niagara Falls and Windsor will be a fantastic competitive benefit and advantage as sports gambling is considered unlawful in New York and Michigan.
Unfortunately the residents of Niagara have observed layoffs at the Casinos at Niagara recently and also 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 at the border etc. So it is obvious that a trustworthy, professional and effectively 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 superb tourist draw and must be permitted in Canada. This is because it will attract the Americans towards the Niagara Falls and Windsor border casinos and offer excellent entertainment and fun. Currently 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 that the sports gambling in Ontario will increase together with the improvements being created 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 depend on the way the bettors accept the games provided by the casinos.