Could Ottawa Get a New Casino?

Sun, Mar 23, 2014

In 2013, the city of Ottawa voted to restrict local gaming to the Rideau Carleton Raceway (l.). But the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is working to grow the gaming options in the provincial community, and possibly across Ontario.

Council voted for limited expansion

Despite a vote to limit expansion of gaming in Ottawa, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. may have another agenda. The OLG plans to issue a request for proposals from gaming providers in 25 zones across the province, including Ottawa, according to the Ottawa Sun.

Last August, Ottawa’s City Council voted to keep restrict gaming to the Rideau Carleton Raceway, but allow 21 additional table games. The council calls for no additional slot machines beyond the 1,250 at the racetrack. 

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson agrees that gaming should be limited to the racetrack, but other powerful forces, including the OLG and Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, want the option of developing a casino elsewhere. Their goal: to keep Ottawa gamblers from patronizing Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau.

According to CBC News, Watson said there is “precious little support for a casino in any part of the city” beyond Rideau Carleton Raceway.

Rideau Carleton Raceway spokesman Alex Lawryk says the facility is confident the OLG is “working diligently on implementing the premier’s wish.”

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