Casino news in the Greater Toronto Area is continuing to stream out. On a day in which those interested in the public consultation process will be congregating in the gymnasium of the Etobicoke Olympium, there is news out of Hamilton that a notable figure in the process is officially throwing his hat into the ring in 'The Hammer.'

A report by the Toronto Star states that after the initial public consultation meeting in Toronto last week, the second meeting which took place this past weekend featured a room with a podium and chairs for people that wished to express their feelings about the controversial topic of expanded casino gaming. In addition to the room with the podium and chairs, the second meeting also featured another room with roundtable discussions for larger groups.

The article quoted a city spokesperson as saying “The changes were made on feedback from the public and councillors. People were looking for an opportunity to articulate their views and there were some requests for facilitated table discussions.”

Monday's public consultation session at the Etobicoke Olympium (590 Rathburn Road) will get underway at 6:00 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m.

Reports out of Hamilton indicate that businessman PJ Mercanti, who recently made the news after Mayor Bob Bratina got himself into some hot water, is looking to address Hamilton councillors in regard to his yet-be-unveiled plans to bring a major casino expansion into the city's downtown core.

An article by the Hamilton Spectator explains that at Monday’s General Issues Committee meeting, Mercanti made a delegation request to speak with councillors. The report states that Mercanti is expected to make a presentation to council regarding the proposed expansion on February 6.

One the members of Mercanti's team will reportedly be an executive from a gaming company.

Hamilton's GM of Economic Development and Planning, Tim McCabe was quoted as saying, "They want to appear at a full GIC to let council and committee know about their specific plans for a casino."

The first of two public consultation meetings hosted by the City of Hamilton is scheduled to take place Wednesday, January 16. For complete details, click here.

(With files from the Hamilton Spectator and the Toronto Star)