On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, Caesars Windsor Casino became the latest casino property in Ontario to launch retail sports betting. The property launched direct sports betting through its new state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, which came as huge news for Unifo Local 444 chairman Dave Cashdy.
Implementing direct sports betting across Ontario casinos has only been possible since the Canadian federal government enacted bill C-218 into law in August 2021. The bill, also known as the Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act, revised the criminal law to introduce single event betting in the country, which required major changes in the gambling industry.
Attending the official opening ceremony, Mr. Cathy commented that the release of the sports book was welcome. He said the union had been lobbying for a single event bet since former Windsor-Tekumse MP Joe Komatin, who first introduced legislation on the issue in 2011. He was accepted by Brian Mash when Comatin resigned.
One of the reasons they promoted the sports book was the creation of numerous new jobs. He said he initially thought the union would offer 100 to 150 jobs at the new location. According to him, these jobs include bartenders, kiosk employees, food services, and more important to the community and trade unions.
Currently, the union leader says he cannot provide the exact number of jobs following the opening of the sports book, but he will add more unique products to the casino brand. He said sports betting fans can now come to the casino and enjoy sports games with food and drinks and make bets.
Additionally, Mr. Cashdi pointed out that casinos need to ensure that American customers can continue to visit the venue. Finally, he noted that the casino is still pushing to open several stores in the facility, and that starting retail sports betting is another step in the right direction to bring more people back to work.
Caesars Windsor Casino is owned by the Ontario Lottery and games company, but is operated by Caesars Entertainment. Last summer, OLG announced that it had agreed a new contract with the operator and extended its cooperation for several years. The new contract is built on the previous contract and extends for another year.
Under the latest contract, the operator will continue to dominate the casino until at least August 2025. The terms of the previous contract have been transferred to the new contract. The Crown Agency also has the option to extend the period from at least 6 months to up to 12 months with the operator, but it ends by August 2026 at the latest.
BY: 홀짜게임