For the majority of the year, Exhibition Place in Toronto remains a collection of expansive thoroughfares and vacant spaces, but it undergoes a remarkable transformation in late August when it becomes the venue for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The fair is renowned for its rides, food, and temporary casino operations. Since 1991, the CNE has incorporated a temporary casino into its festivities, but recent discussions have raised concerns about the implications of expanding gambling opportunities in the area.
A report released by Exhibition Place's CEO, Don Boyle, to its Board of Governors indicates that while the existing casino during the fair is acceptable, introducing additional casino opportunities could have negative consequences for public health and the community. Boyle stated, "I think Ontario is well supplied with casinos," referencing the numerous existing options in the province, including Woodbine Racetrack, and several establishments in the east end, north of the city, and around the Niagara Falls area. He expressed skepticism regarding the need for Exhibition Place to venture further into the casino industry.
Discussions surrounding a new casino site in Toronto date back more than a decade. In 2013, Exhibition Place was considered a potential location for a new casino, but polling conducted at the time revealed that 61 percent of Torontonians were opposed to such a development. Among their concerns were social issues associated with gambling, while 17 percent pointed to crime as a significant worry. Consequently, in May 2013, the Toronto City Council voted against permitting new gaming sites within the municipal boundaries.
Recent findings from CityNews suggest that public sentiment remains largely unchanged regarding the establishment of additional gambling venues. Opinions from residents reflect a general reluctance to expand casino offerings. One individual expressed, "Maybe my wife would enjoy it, but no. We have enough vices in the city that we can have fun." Another voiced a more critical perspective on gambling: "I don’t think any place needs any new casinos at all, to be honest. I think that gambling is kind of pretty messed up, right? I believe that it’s one of the worst drugs possibly out there."
The reaction to the current casino at the CNE, which features lower betting limits compared to traditional casinos, is not entirely positive either. A female resident commented, "I don’t agree with that. I just think that there’s just enough addiction in this world. I don’t think we need to add to it."
Research continues to underscore the potential harms associated with gambling. A 2024 report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health highlighted that nearly 70 percent of adults in Ontario engaged in gambling activities. Furthermore, Toronto Public Health identified back in 2012 that problem gambling could lead to a range of adverse effects on both physical and mental well-being.
The ongoing discourse around gambling at Exhibition Place underscores deep-rooted societal concerns about addiction and its impact on community health. As the CNE and its associated casino operations draw attention each year, it simultaneously ignites conversations about the need for responsible gambling practices and the effects of expanded gambling options in Ontario.
