The debate over whether or not Toronto should host a casino carries on, as residents and politicians weigh in on the issue. One group that is adamant about the project is the group of Las Vegas casino operators that have recently been eyeing Toronto as a possible site for a new multi-billion gambling and tourism centre.According to a recent report by the National Post, Caesars has its sights set on the Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street. The company prefers this location to Exhibition Place or the former grounds of Ontario Place, where most local politicians want to see the new casino placed. According to Jan Jones of Caesars, the location would help to fulfil the company’s vision of an ‘urban casino’ in Toronto.
“That’s our preference because of the way the resort would integrate with the rest of downtown and the other local businesses,” Ms. Jones says.
MGM also continues to push for a Toronto Casino. The company believes that Exhibition place would be the ideal location, as it presents plenty of space for the developers to make their vision a reality. Alan Feldman estimates that the casino will cost $4 billion to build and occupy just over 10% of the site. He anticipates that 8000 unionized jobs will be created with an average salary of $50 000.
