WINDSOR -- Leaders across labour, business and government in Windsor are ramping up pressure on the federal government to legalize single-event sports betting as a similar bill looks set for approval in Michigan.
Stakeholders with Unifor Local 444, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce along with industry and political representatives met at Caesars Windsor on Monday in a closed-door meeting to discuss how to move forward on the file.
“I am concerned that we are behind the eight ball on this knowing that Ohio has put forward legislation, knowing that Michigan has put forward legislation,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Many in the region see single-event sports betting as a boost to the local economy in waiting.
Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy says the specific type of betting could create between 100 and 150 jobs in Windsor alone, pointing to previous Canadian Gaming Association studies on the subject.
“It’s very important to us,” said Cassidy. “To me it’s about jobs in our community and that’s what I always talk about is jobs, good paying jobs. They’re [Caesars Windsor] the second largest employer in the city of Windsor.”
The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce expects spin-off jobs and better retention as a result of legal single sports betting.
“Once we have this, we are less likely to have players from here cross the border go and play on the other side which means we will keep more business and retain the job numbers here,” said Rakesh Naidu, chamber president and CEO.
The gaming industry in Windsor-Essex is in a race against competitors across the Detroit River who are poised to benefit from legalized sports betting and internet gaming after the Michigan House of Representatives passed new legislation.
According to CGA president and CEO, Paul Burns, legal sports betting in Canada like Pro-Line lottery tickets, account for about $500 million a year in revenue. However, Burns estimates Canadians spend $4 billion through online offshore sports books and a further $10 billion wagered through organized crime.
“If the federal government does their bit and removes the restrictions in the criminal code, the provinces will move quickly and we will operate at the same speed but, unfortunately, that’s what’s allowed the United States to move is that the federal prohibition disappeared and states have taken action,” said Burns.
The Michigan bill still requires the signature of Governor Gretchen Whitmer as state legislators fine tune the law.
“There’s a lot of upside for us still doing this. There’s no doubt that the opportunity isn’t what it was, but it still can be made into a significant one for our region,” says Brian Masse, the NDP Member of Parliament for Windsor West.
Masse says the border state bills nearing approval in the U.S. should be seen as the checkered flag for Canadian officials to fast track legislation.
“At the end of the day, it could be a matter of weeks, that’s the bottom line, if there’s political will to do that,” said Masse. “They have a couple of different options to go for it — that’s not likely.”
Proponents of sports betting in Windsor-Essex point to the Liberal Party’s campaign messaging around the topic as a sign of optimism. The government’s minority status is also seen as an opportunity to apply pressure to move the bill quickly through the House of Commons and the Senate.
The House of Commons is adjourned until Jan. 27, 2020.
