So, council is possibly on course for another casino calamity: Should it get in the way of private business and a chance to boost its own coffers, or should it be mindful of public health and infrastructure concerns that come with expanding gambling options in this city? With that issue put to rest, political minds will turn to the question of how much gambling should be in Ottawa.Īdding more poker and roulette tables to the revamped casino would increase the chances of council adding to the $5.6 million it expects to receive in hosting commissions this year. The last casino controversy, which was in 2013, was about where an expanded gaming house should be located in Ottawa.Ĭouncil voted 16-7 to keep gambling at the horse track, scuttling Eugene Melynk’s hopes of building a $500-million casino complex in Kanata. It would eventually start with a request from Hard Rock, although chairman Jim Allen indicated this week that the company doesn’t anticipate moving quickly on addressing the municipal gaming restriction.Ĭouncil could get cold feet about another gambling debate, and maybe rightfully so. National Capital Region's Top Employers.
