Jul 09, 2008 - 03:41 PM

By Keith Gilligan

DURHAM -- Changes to the criminal code could be parlayed into sportsbooks in Ontario.

The Province wants the federal government to make changes to the criminal code to allow sportsbooks at casinos, such as the Slots at Ajax Downs and the Great Blue Heron Casino.

Las Vegas-style sportsbooks aren't permitted under the criminal code and the only sports betting allowed in Ontario is with Pro-Line, which requires bettors to select the outcomes of three or more sports contests. Having a sportsbook would allow a gambler to bet on an individual football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer and other games as opposed to the multiple "parlay" betting that exists under Pro-Line, the government-run lottery.

"At this point, it's the federal criminal code of Canada that prohibits single sports betting. The code has to be changed," said Anne Dunderdale, the media relations co-ordinator for the ministry of energy and infrastructure, which is responsible for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming.

"Following that, we'll look at it as part of our responsible gaming strategy," she said. "The minister is hopeful the federal government will be amending the criminal code."

George Smitherman was recently appointed the minister, having been shifted from the health minister last month. His predecessor, David Caplan, had written to the federal government asking for changes to allow sportsbooks. Mr. Caplan was shifted to health in the shuffle.

"The current minister (Mr. Smitherman) is hopeful, but he hasn't asked them to change it," Ms. Dunderdale said. "The federal government is considering making changes. We've indicated we're open to considering it."

Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson's riding includes the Slots at Ajax Downs.

"It's premature" to consider sportsbooks, he said. "I would just say it's in the discussion stage at this time. It's really at the federal level."

"We, as a caucus, haven't discussed it and have no preliminary discussion on it," Mr. Dickson said.

A published report noted the Province is especially interested in sportsbooks at the two Niagara Falls casinos, the new Caesars Windsor facility and the existing Casino Rama. The Niagara and Windsor facilities would attract gamblers from the United States, where sportsbooks are only allowed in Las Vegas.

"I don't know if we could restrict it to individual gaming locations. That's one of the questions that has to be answered," Mr. Dickson said.

If sportsbooks were allowed in Niagara Falls, "why not at the Ajax slots," he said, adding he didn't think it could be limited to certain areas. Also, there would be pressure from gamblers who would want to go to a casino closer to their home.

Asked if sportsbook gambling would be allowed at all casinos in Ontario, Ms. Dunderdale said, "I can't speculate on specific sites. Nobody knows. The federal code has to change and we'll look at how to implement it."

"Easing the tax load on the residents of Ontario, there may be some potential there," Mr. Dickson said.

Allowing the sportsbooks in casinos would also provide an incentive for gamblers to avoid private games, Mr. Dickson said.

Currently, Canadian gamblers skirt the law by betting with on-line sportsbooks located in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and a slew of other countries. As well, underground betting brings in untold millions for illegal operators at home.

-- with files from Torstar Network