It was with much fanfare that Caesars Windsor opened Ontario, Canada’s first retail sportsbook last week. The facility is taking advantage of the 2021 law that allows single-game betting.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, MP Brian Masse, Caesars Windsor president Kevin Laforet and NHL Hall of Famer Grant Fuhr took part in the opening ceremonies.
The opening was a victory for Masse, who spent years trying to get single-game betting legalized in Ontario. He told the Windsor Star that this will help bring jobs back to the area.
“It also now gives us a product that competes with the United States, which was sorely lacking,” Masse said. “That’s critical because without those types of amenities, we’re fighting with one arm tied behind our back. So it means protection of jobs and the continuation of services that could even expand in the future depending on how things go. But most importantly we’re no longer at a disadvantage.”
Caesars Sportsbook is near a sports bar and has three betting windows and seven betting kiosks. The 1,618-square-foot space has 22 large-screen HD LED TVs with state-of-the-art sound, dedicated seating, and sports bar food items.
“We’re thrilled to offer sports bettors a chance to get in on the action with all their favorite sports and enjoy the thrill of single event betting as part of our world-class resort experience at Caesars,” Laforet told the Star.
Fuhr, who is one of the best hockey goalies of all time and a multiple winner of the Stanley Cup, made the first bet. He placed a wager on a minor league hockey game involving the Jacksonville Icemen.
“I’m excited about being here as a Canadian, being a part of Caesars Sportsbook opening here in Windsor, which I think is phenomenal,” Fuhr told the Star.
Masse told the Star that this will be beneficial to Windsor.
“There’s no doubt at the end of the day that this is really about two things: protecting the jobs that we have at the casino and taking money away from organized crime, sports bookies, overseas accounts and so forth,” Masse said.
