Unrest over Canadian casino expansion
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has demanded the London City Hall to cut the costs of leasing or sell the land to expand the casino.
Canada.- Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has urged the London city hall and the Western Fair District to sell the land ot cut the costs of leasins in order to get the expanded gaming complex that would generate over US$109 million. According to the biggest private casino operator in Canada, they’re already looking at other options in the city in case they don’t give in, despite prefering to expand the casino now.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) pays the Western Fair US$4.7 million yearly to operate a slots-only casino through 2020. However, that amount of money is not enough to get Gateway’s expansion plans going.
Gateway spokesman Rob Mitchell asserted that “it’s not viable for a private-sector company,” said the arrangement “it’s not equitable” but projected: “There are things in play that may come to a resolution.”
However, Coun. Phil Squire has rejected Gateway’s demands and says the council shouldn’t give in.
“Just because it’s a casino, and just because it comes to London, doesn’t mean we should strike a bad bargain. I think we still have to look at it objectively and say, ‘Is this a good bargain for London?’ ” he questioned.
