Citing health concerns, Board of Health says 'no' to Toronto casino

In this Feb. 11, 2007 file photo, a staff member demonstrates the roulette wheel at Grand Lisboa Casino in Macau. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, File)

Toronto’s Board of Health has doubled-down on its stand against bringing a casino to Toronto, citing concerns that opening a gaming facility in the city will negatively impact the well-being of residents and communities.

David McKeown, Toronto’s chief medical officer of health said they reached the conclusion after considering the health implications of an urban casino.

“There may be some benefits of increased employment and income for some individuals, but those are outweighed by negative effects of traffic and other factors,” he told reporters.

In his report endorsed by the Board of Health on Monday, McKeown outlined several other concerns including greater air pollution and more motor vehicle accidents from increased congestion near the facility. The report also indicated the potential for problem gamblers.

The report cites a study that estimates the cost of increased demand for public services as a result of problem gambling could range between $6,000 and $50,000 each year, per gambler. Casino revenue wouldn’t be enough to tip the balance on those costs, public health staff say.

In response, the Canadian Gaming Association said the Board of Health is taking too narrow a look at casinos, while the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) said the city is already used to this style of gambling.

“Slot and casino style gambling has been available to people in Toronto and the GTA for well over a decade, including the slots at Woodbine facility in Etobicoke, which is one of the most successful gaming floors in Canada,” Paul Pellizzari, OLG’s director of policy and social responsibility said in a statement to CTV News.

McKeown’s report was the second of two reports prepared by Toronto Public Health in advance of City Council’s evaluation of the full spectrum of potential public health effects.

In November, staff reported to the Board on research regarding the impact of a new casino on problem gambling in Toronto.

In the spring, council as a whole is expected to decide whether it will approve a casino in Toronto.