From Buffalo Business First:
A vote by the Toronto City Council to support a massive gambling expansion at the Woodbine Racetrack could have a chilling economic impact on a pair of casinos in Niagara Falls, Ont. and effectively wipe out any hope of slots returning to Fort Erie Racetrack.
The council vote is one of the final steps needed before Woodbine’s mega gambling expansion can begin. Formal approval by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is still needed and, insiders, expect that to be mere formality. The OLGC board vote could happen later this summer.
If approved, Woodbine would see an 85 percent increase in slot machines, going from 2,700 to 5,000 and also add 300 table games. Combined those are more than are currently in Niagara Fallsview Casino and its cousin, Casino Niagara.
Both Niagara Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara are considered central to the Niagara regional tourism and hospitality industry.
Given Woodbine’s location in the Toronto metropolitan area, it would give residents and visitors from that city less reason to travel south down the Queen Elizabeth Way to Niagara Falls.