The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) has announced its opposition to the online gaming market the government of Ontario, Canada plans to launch April 4. That market will allow private companies to operate gaming and betting sites.
Martha Otton, executive director of iGaming Ontario, a subsidiary of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, said in a statement: “Today, most internet gaming by Ontarians takes place on websites not conducted and managed by the province.” She added, “Our new internet gaming market will give consumers enhanced entertainment choice, support the growth of a new, legal market and generate revenue that can help fund programs and services that benefit all of us.”
In a news release the First Nation stated: “The government’s decision will devastate MSIFN’s economy and set back decades of community development efforts.”
MSIFN operates the Great Blue Heron Casino and Hotel on Scugog Island. The release adds, “In part due to the success of GBH, MSIFN has provided their community – and Durham Region as a whole – with thousands of jobs, and millions of dollars in charitable donations to community organizations throughout the region.”
The First Nation has said it plans to challenge the provincial plan in court.
MSIFN Chief Kelly LaRocca said in a statement: “Friday’s announcement by the Ford government is a slap in the face of First Nations, and reduces their promises of reconciliation to a joke.” She added, “The government completely and utterly failed to consult our First Nation – leaving their iGaming launch open to constitutional challenge.”
Canada legalized single event sports betting in August 27, 2021. The Ontario plan would allow as many private sportsbook companies as want to, to seek a license to compete in the market.
Canadian Gaming Association President and CEO Paul Burns praised the development: “This is another major milestone and achievement for Ontario’s gaming industry.” He added, “We finally have the opportunity to safeguard the economic benefits that will start to flow to licensed gaming operators and the provincial government.”
Operators preparing to enter Ontario’s market include FanDuel, Score Media and Gaming, with BetMGM and DraftKings hovering in the wings.
Most other provinces are putting their lottery corporations in charge of sports betting.
