Gaming can keep tracks alive, says CEO
Woodbine Entertainment is working to transform a second racetrack into a casino. According to the World Casino Directory, Woodbine has applied for permission to transform its Mohawk Racetrack in Ontario into a casino; it is already in the process of expanding Mohawk’s sister track near Pearson Airport in Toronto into a full-blown gaming hall.
The expansion as proposed by the company would add 2,000 new electronic gaming machines and 300 gaming tables to the 3,000 machines that are currently available to players. The casino would be operated by a company chosen by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp.
Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson said he is confident the expansion will be approved, though OLG has not yet commented on the proposal. Lawson said the proposed expansion is critical to sustaining horse racing on Canada’s largest circuit. The racetrack does not get direct revenue from slots, but does get paid for leasing the gaming floor to the province.
