TORONTO – A new survey done by Ipsos-Reid, suggests that over half of Torontonians would support a casino within city limits.
A possible casino has been a controversial topic in Toronto in previous weeks since the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced that it was studying the possibility of building a casino in Canada’s largest city.
The issue seems to have split Toronto. According to the the Ipsos-Reid poll, just over half of Torontonians, roughly 54 per cent, think a casino would have a positive impact on Toronto.
Approximately 47 per cent think a casino would have negative impact.
The survey asked 810 people living in Toronto their thoughts – good or bad – on a casino being built within city limits.
Get daily National news
Those surveyed were given a myriad of reasons for supporting a potential casino and an issue that is on the forefront of many people’s minds – the economy – was overwhelmingly seen as the main reason for supporting increased gambling.
“Supporters of a casino say the main reasons they are on board are because it would be good for the economy (63 per cent), tourism (27 per cent), more jobs (24 per cent), that it would be a more convenient location (than going afar) (15 per cent) and that it is good entertainment and fun (11 per cent),” according to the Ipsos-Reid poll.
Approximately three-quarters, 76 per cent, of Torontonians saw increased tax revenue as another benefit of building a casino.
Toronto’s gambling future has been a topic of controversy at city hall since the OLG began studying options with both referendums and proposed locations being brought forth by city councillors.
Councillor Mike Layton recently brought forth a motion at city hall to ban a casino from being built at Ontario Place, an area which Layton suggested should be saved for the use of families in Toronto.
The poll states that, despite Layton’s motion though, Ontario Place is still a popular choice for a future casino among Toronto residents.
Just over half of Torontonians, 51 per cent, supported the idea of a casino being located at Ontario Place.
Despite the supportive nature of many Torontonians, a significant portion of those surveyed, 47 per cent, weren’t so warm to the idea of a casino in Toronto.
The majority of Torontonians, 60 per cent, also worry about increased criminal activity as a result of a casino project.
The Ipsos-Reid poll was conducted between March 16 and 21, 2012 on behalf of the Canadian Gaming Association.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.