A recently commissioned poll by Woodbine Entertainment Group, conducted by Environics Research Group, shows that 51% of Torontonians surveyed support the idea of a casino at Woodbine.
The survey of City of Toronto residents shows that there is considerably more support for a casino at Woodbine than at other locations. This was particularly apparent in Woodbine’s local neighbourhood of Etobicoke, where there was 60% support.
In contrast, the survey found that the majority of Torontonians opposed a casino in the downtown area – 62% of Torontonians opposed a casino at Ontario Place (only 34% are supportive) and 59% opposed a casino at the CNE (only 37% are supportive).
“We were not surprised with the results indicating Woodbine as the preferred location for a Toronto Casino, particularly by residents of Etobicoke given our social, economic and safety record in the community,” said Nick Eaves, President and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group. “Woodbine Entertainment Group is recognized provincially, nationally and internationally as a premier racing operator. Our successful partnership with the OLG has made Woodbine the most profitable gaming site in Ontario, so expansion to a casino site would be both logical and easily facilitated.”
Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is the largest operator of horse racing in Canada and is recognized as one of the most innovative in North America. In addition to its two racetracks – Woodbine in Toronto and Mohawk in Milton, WEG operates the Champions Off-Track Wagering network, plus WEGZ Stadium Bar in Vaughan, Turf Lounge in downtown Toronto and Greenwood Teletheatre in the Beach Area of the City. Remote wagering is also available to customers through HorsePlayer Interactive (HPI), the Company’s telephone and online account wagering service. WEG offers this service to all Canadian racetracks. WEG also operates HPItv, a CRTC licensed digital television channel that broadcasts its racing product into homes across Canada.
WEG is committed to being a leader within the horse racing industry and in the communities in which it operates. The corporation has earned industry recognition, multiple awards and customer and community respect for its progressive and leading corporate responsibility agenda.
Methodology
The survey was conducted by telephone among a random sample of 500 City of Toronto residents aged 18 and older, between February 16 and 22, 2012. The margin of error for a sample of 500 is plus or minus 4.4, 19 times out of 20. The sample was weighted to reflect the actual population.
Question Wording
The media have suggested Ontario Place/Canadian National Exhibition as possible locations for a Toronto casino. Do you support the idea of a casino at…Ontario Place…Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)?
Do you support the idea of a casino at Woodbine Racetrack?
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