As Michigan Waits, Caesars Windsor To Begin Discussions On Reopening

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There seems to be some activity happening across the Detroit River, despite the absence of a clear end point for the reopening of Michigan casinos.

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a union representative for Caesars Windsor announced that discussions have been arranged this week to strategize the future reopening of the Canadian casino.

In addition to scheduling, Dave Cassidy, the president of Unifor Local 444, stated that the topics up for discussion encompass maintaining physical distancing measures on the casino floor, organizing live shows, and addressing concerns regarding the sharing of chips among players.

During his interview on AM800’s The Morning Drive, Cassidy expressed his endorsement for the introduction of single-sports betting in Canada, where parlays currently dominate.

Cassidy expressed the notion of capturing the government’s attention and advocating for the introduction of sports betting. According to him, this idea holds the potential to not only revitalize some of the business but also contribute to its growth.

Caesars Windsor impacts Michigan’s casinos

In the past, Caesars Windsor held the exclusive position as the sole option for legalized sports betting in close proximity to the Metro Detroit area.

The Game Picks area at the facility, located just a short ride through the tunnel from downtown Detroit, exclusively offers parlay bets.

Windsor’s casino difficulties have a direct effect on the profits of Detroit’s casinos, including Greektown Casino-Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino.

According to the Windsor Star, the temporary closure of Caesars Windsor due to a two-month workers strike in 2018 resulted in a slight increase in revenue for Detroit’s casinos.

Casino Windsor, now known as Caesars Windsor, proudly held the title of being the inaugural gaming establishment in the area. It made its grand debut in May 1994, marking a significant milestone as Ontario’s very first casino. Subsequently, the Detroit casinos followed suit and began their operations in 1999.

Sports betting was introduced at the Windsor facility in 2006, while the casinos in Detroit recently added sportsbooks that allow single-event betting, following the ratification of Michigan sports betting in December.

Sports betting could expand in Canada

Due to the outbreak, the anticipated debate on a new bipartisan bill in Canada’s House of Commons to introduce single-event betting, which was scheduled for late March or early April, was postponed as the session was adjourned.

Saskatchewan’s Kevin Waugh is the sponsor of the bill, marking the third attempt to consider similar legislation since 2011.

Jake Miklojcik, a gaming analyst from Michigan Consultants, expressed to Playinmichigan that it could potentially be too late for Windsor in that aspect. He acknowledged that taking action is commendable, but it would have been more effective if it had been done from the beginning.

According to Miklojcik, Canada will fall behind in mobile sports betting even if they manage to introduce single-event betting within a year, as Michigan is set to launch it in early 2021.

Miklojcik mentioned that it would be pleasant to enjoy the company of your friends while watching 35 TVs, but he also pointed out that this can be done in the comfort of your own home.

According to estimates from the Canadian Gaming Association, around $14 billion is being wagered on sports annually in Canada. However, this significant amount is predominantly done through offshore sportsbooks or illegal bookmakers.

This week, Windsor was awarded over $1.6 million in gaming revenue from Ontario Lottery and Gaming, which encompassed the earnings from Caesars Windsor for the January to March quarter.

Coronavirus hitting Canada as well

As per the Canadian government’s website, on Wednesday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country stood at 38,932, with a majority of cases reported in Quebec and Ontario.

The virus was also responsible for a total of 1,871 deaths.

President Donald Trump had intended to restrict new immigration into the US on Wednesday; however, nonessential travel between Canada, Mexico, and the US has been prohibited for an additional 30 days this week.

One day prior to the closure of Detroit’s trio of casinos, Caesars Windsor shut down on March 15 due to the rapidly spreading virus.

On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a stay-at-home directive in Michigan until April 30. She also mentioned that she anticipates revealing a brief extension in the near future.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has addressed the possibility of initiating discussions in the near future regarding the reopening of the economy, given the recent positive trends in coronavirus statistics.

No sports with fans any time soon in Canada

Among those hoping to resume major sports leagues is President Trump.

Canada’s stricter position is causing a challenge in the discussions as numerous teams are based in Canadian cities.

According to the New York Times, Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault, who holds responsibility for Canada’s national sports institutions, stated that the country will not permit large gatherings until the conclusion of summer.

Although Quebec has canceled “sporting gatherings” for the summer and Toronto has canceled mass events until June 30, he mentioned the possibility of there being some flexibility.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the provincial emergency order restricting public events and gatherings of over five individuals, the City of Toronto has decided to cancel all mass events and permits until June 30th. For more information, please refer to the news release: [link provided].

On March 31, 2020, the official Twitter account for the City of Toronto tweeted as follows:

Once again, Canada proudly hosts a total of 12 professional sports teams competing in the NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball, and MLS. Among them, the Toronto Raptors, reigning NBA champions, have secured their place in the playoffs with a strong performance.

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