2013 was yet another wild and tumultuous ride for gamblers across Canada. From large jackpots to major casino changes, we’ve collected the best of last year’s gaming fiascoes into one exciting column.
Apart from the numerous economic studies that took place within the gaming industry in 2013, over 120,000 jobs were either created or sustained from gambling revenues alone. When new jobs are created, there is more money for gaming; I’m sure you know where we’re going with this. Between online casino formations and physical casino erections, 2013 was an interesting year for both provincial governments and hard-core gamblers alike. Here are the more intricate details we unveiled.
Hard Rock Casino Vancouver opens
Already famous for live entertainment, food, and attracting a large college following, Hard Rock Cafe had already made a name for itself in the United States. In the winter of 2013, Vancouver welcomed Canada’s version of the world-famous pub. Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, who is already credited with opening the River Rock Resort in the Royal City, basically rebranded their existing Hard Rock Cafe into an 86,000 square foot spectacle featuring over 950 ‘smart’ slot machines along with a 1000 seat theater designed for big name entertainment acts like Chicago, Goo Goo Dolls and Patty LaBelle.
B.C. woman sues casino, loses twice?
The British Columbia woman who was kicked out of a popular Vancouver casino, lost C$330,000 while banned from the casino then turned around and sued the casino but lost her appeal back in 2013. After spending several years attending gamblers anonymous meetings, she finally owned up to the fact that her addiction blinded her from the reality she faced in court. As of 2014, it’s unclear whether she plans to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision. The judge in the case had cited casino regulations couldn’t always work when the lack of manpower persisted.
Toronto welcomes new casino
Thanks in part to approximately C$3 billion in private capital investments, the greater Toronto area finally welcomed its highly anticipated casino which immediately brought 2,300 much needed local jobs. The move helped eliminate underperforming casinos in lieu of more lucrative opportunities for local businesses while providing another victory to the private sector. The Canadian auto workers downplayed the announcement, claiming the local economy didn’t need to move into the private sector. Ontario is touted for being the biggest casino revenue source in all of Canada, just ahead of Montréal.
Huffington Post reported that billionaire Sheldon Adelson believes in the city of Toronto, calling the new casino an infusion of Las Vegas and Macao.
Casino Proposed For Pickering
Ontario casino developments started to slow around 2013, however that didn’t stop the town of Pickering from submitting an application to develop land for an all-inclusive casino. Section of land located near Highway 401 was to be zoned and approved by late 2013, and will be near Ajax Downs and OLG Slots. The overall goal is to reiterate the town’s horse track betting schema to align with provincial gaming strategies. As of 2014, the casino has yet to be fully developed although land has been broken for the heavily anticipated business.
Jurisdictional issues riddle Saskatchewan
Well-respected First Nation Indian tribe leaders announced their intention to establish jurisdiction where online gaming is concerned, according to news archives. As more Indian tribes bring their physical casino locations to the Internet, the issue of establishing provincial jurisdiction is raising eyebrows from Saskatoon to Regina. Taxation, investments, and other major issues are creating seemingly insurmountable barriers that are racking up legal fees. Since each province is responsible for mandating gaming rules, Internet connections that originate from Saskatchewan are governed by local law – this applies to casinos, too. This work continues to rage on as you’re reading this in 2014.
Closing the doors on ‘13
As 2013 closed, many winners were crowned and losers went home crying. Did you agree with any local casino openings? Are tribunal laws equally as important to provincial civil codes? Even more excitement is in store as 2014 wraps up.
If you know something that made major Canadian headlines and 2013, and we forgot to mention this, feel free to leave your comments below or email us so we can update this news article.
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