CAW, Joe Comartin want gambling changes

The union representing workers at Casino Windsor is once again throwing support behind single-game sports betting in Canada.

"I'm obviously in support of it," CAW Local 444 president Rick Laporte said. "It's the only way to go to be totally honest with you. It sets us apart from the US and the Detroit casinos."

Windsor-Tecumseh NDP MP Joe Comartin recently made the plea in the House of Commons to amend the criminal code to allow for the gambling to be legalized.

Comartin called it "a simple bill."

While speaking to fellow MPs, Comartin said it's estimated that Canadians annually spend $2 billion on illegal single-game sports betting.

'That industry is very big and entirely controlled by organized crime.' — NDP Joe Comartin, Windsor-Tecumseh MP

"This is a very important bill from this perspective: That industry is very big and entirely controlled by organized crime," Comartin said.

He also cited a Canadian Gaming Association report which estimates single-game sports betting would create or save 150 jobs at Casino Windsor.

"I think it would bring people over and bring customers over," Laporte said. "Money would be spent on food and everything else. It mushrooms out.

"I'm baffled myself as to why they have not amended the criminal code to make that happen."

Multibillion-dollar market

Laporte said single-game sports betting has the potential to eventually generate, from primarily the neighbouring U.S. market, $70 million in wagering in Windsor and an additional $35 million in Niagara Falls.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Estimates the Super Bowl attracts an additional 250,000 to Sin City on an annual basis. Gamblers bet $87 million on the 2011 Super Bowl alone.

Laporte said it's estimated gamblers in the U.S. spend $40 billion on illegal sports betting each year.

"I'm hopeful we'll be able to get (single-game) sports betting here. I think it's a good thing," Laporte said. "If it's a positive thing for us, why wouldn't we do it?"