Questions?
First Nation Criticizes Ontario Over hasty market decisions
The Mississippi State of Scugog Island First Nation is still bitter about the introduction of Ontario's new, regulated market for private igaming operators. First Nation argues that the province has not held consultations with indigenous communities, which could potentially have a negative impact on their operations, including loss of revenue and essential jobs.
The state's new online gaming and sports betting market began on April 4, 2022 and is overseen by the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Board and its subsidiary iGaming Ontario. The move is about First Nation because it believes it could have a negative impact on the economy of the Durham Regional Game Hall and many local First Nations.
Kelly LaRocca, director of the Ministry of Future Planning, believes that the region has started a new market too quickly without adequate data to support the framework. She shared that she didn't give First Nation much information about how the model would work and how she thought it would affect land-based gaming facilities across the province.
The chief also said the province offered little data to support the market, which in general communicated little with First Nation and Ontarian. Mr Laroka agreed that local governments should have taken a slow approach by allowing only existing land operators to offer online gambling through the tethering system.
She claimed she plans to take a legal approach against the province over the state's decision not to consult with the state and plans to set up a new casino property in Pickering's Durham district. Previously, there were concerns that the new casinos would affect Great Blue Heron casinos as fewer people visit the facilities and could lose their jobs.
During the last three quarters of 2021, Pickering received CA$7.8 million for hosting casinos, lower than expected, including nearly $2.3 million in the last quarter of last year. Over the next five years, the iGaming market could be responsible for the loss of more than 2,500 game hall jobs, with $190 million in regional economic contributions and $3 billion in local tax revenues expected.
Numerous game operators have already been approved by AGCO to enter the iGaming market. Torstar Corporation, the media, also looked into the field through NordStar's venture, NorthStar Gaming. The two companies announced contracts for advertising and marketing services through Torstar's outlets.
North Star Gaming has officially been played live in the province and is currently available to play North Star Bets. Qualified gamblers in Ontario can enjoy some of the industry's most famous titles on the app, including live dealer Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat and many digital slots. You can also make informed bets through data, insights, and analytics.