It has been reported that on September 10, members of the Whitby Council voted 6-2 in favour of spurning Ajax's recent slots revenue-sharing proposition in order to declare itself a willing host municipality for the OLG's controversial gaming modernization plan.
According to an article by durhamregion.com, if Whitby were to eventually be approved for a casino in the OLG process, Ajax Downs would therefore not be able to play host to slot-machine or casino gaming, since they have both been lumped into the same 'gaming zone.'
The report has quoted Whitby Councillor Tracy Hanson as saying, "I loved the idea of looking at opportunity for revenue sharing, but I have to say that I was looking for a piece of the pie and not a sliver." She went on to say, "I struggle with 15 per cent of $5 million being less than $1 million."
Whitby Councillor Joe Drumm, who was in favour of accepting the Ajax offer, was quoted as saying, "I don't think we have a hope in hell of getting (a casino) and that's reason enough for me to say take the 15 per cent and run."
Ajax Mayor Steve Parish has been cited as saying that he is surprised the Whitby Council did not vote in favour of the revenue-sharing offer.
(With files from durhamregion.com)
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Divide and conquer. The OLG
Divide and conquer.
The OLG cannot destroy this industry on its own, so it has tempted all suitors who hope to benefit with a bigger "...piece of the pie, not a sliver...".
Follow the money, and the agendas for slots become personal.
Whitby will take the slots, at the expense of an industry. What a greedy, self-serving, out of touch council.
In reply to Divide and conquer. The OLG by Marty Adler
If Leamington gets race dates
If Leamington gets race dates do you think they would be looking for a slot parlour? I bet they would certainly try.Its always the bottom line.
The old saying 'A bird in the
The old saying 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' comes to mind. To put all of their eggs into McGuinty's and the OLG's vision of casinos in all of these zones could backfire on them.
Just look what the Liberals
Just look what the Liberals and OLG have done.
Just imagine "I have to say that I was looking for a piece of the pie and not a sliver." She went on to say, "I struggle with 15 per cent of $5 million being less than $1 million". They want more than a million dollars for doing NOTHING. Just because the OLG has created a gaming zone including Whitby with Ajax.
Shame, shame, shame on all of you! What a sad, sad state of affairs!