Local News

There are mixed views in the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce's survey regarding a casino in the city.

46 per cent of respondents support a downtown casino, if it included a hotel and entertainment facility, while 42 per cent opposed that idea.

50 per cent say they favour the existing Flamborough location for a casino, with 23 per cent opposed, and another 23 per cent indifferent.

Chamber members pointed to jobs, revenue and tourism as reasons for supporting a casino.

Those against a casino in Hamilton identified social concerns and the impact it would have on local businesses.

Click below to listen to Chamber of Commerce president David Adames in conversation with CHML's Bill Kelly.

The survey, conducted from January 30 to February 15, was sent to 16-hundred Chamber members and 453 completed surveys were returned.

The City of Hamilton has until March 1 to tell the OLG whether it wants a casino or not.

Results from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce survey regarding a Hamilton casino:

- 72.1% of respondents believed that they had enough information to make an informed decision about a casino
- 50% support the existing Flamborough location for a casino while 23% opposed and 23% were indifferent
- 67% opposed a stand-alone downtown casino while 14% supported
- 46% supported a downtown casino if it included a hotel and entertainment facility while 42% opposed
- 45% opposed another location in Hamilton for a casino while 15% supported

Reasons for supporting a casino were ranked as follows:

- Economic benefit (jobs and tax revenue):    80.2%
- Revenue to the City of Hamilton:        76.1%
- Potential tourism attraction:            71.3%
- Entertainment venue for residents:        60%

Reasons for opposing a casino were ranked as follows:

- Oppose casinos because of social/moral concerns:                66%
- Does not fit with City's vision or strategic plan:                54.2%
- Casino would compete with local businesses for entertainment dollars:    49.5%
- Logistical reason - parking                            21.6%

Of the respondents, 51.4% were the business owner while 37% were managers.