Expanded gambling approved for Woodbine

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Toronto City Council voted on Wednesday to endorse the expansion of gambling at Woodbine, provided that several conditions are met, including the construction of an integrated entertainment complex to go along with an expanded casino.

There are 3,000 slot machines at Woodbine, along with several virtual table games. Regular table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette would be part of the expansion, along with more slots.

Mayor John Tory said the expansion will bring much-needed jobs to northwest Toronto, an area that has seen a decline in employment.

“We voted to bring jobs to a part of the city that desperately needs them,” Tory said.

Woodbine chief executive Jim Lawson said the expansion is important to the future of Woodbine and the horse-racing industry in Ontario.

“Expanded gaming at Woodbine is a catalyst for future development, ensuring a secure and sustainable revenue source for horse racing in Ontario.”

Two years ago, the council rejected a Woodbine expansion, along with the idea of a downtown casino. That negative vote seemed in part to be a backlash against Rob Ford, who was the controversial mayor of the city at the time.