MGM resorts group betting on Toronto

Updated MGM Resorts International out of Las Vegas is lobbying to build its first Canadian casino in Toronto.

MGM staff recently visited the city and have hired a local business to act on its behalf at city hall. MGM is looking at possibly building a complex featuring hotels, restaurants, spas and convention facilities. The company owns and operates 15 hotel-casinos in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan and has a 50 per cent stake in four others.

Last month, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation revealed it plans to open a casino in the GTA.

Premier Dalton McGuinty spoke about MGM’s interest earlier today, but confirmed his government will *not* force a casino on anyone.

“I would not be surprised were we to have interest from companies based in North America and Europe who have an interest in developing a gambling establishment here in Ontario. And again, at the end of the day, we are not going to put a casino into a community that doesn’t want one.”

McGuinty says he hasn’t met with MGM personally, and could not speak for the rest of his colleagues.

Video: News Now coverage: