Another gaming name enters the Toronto casino mix: Steve Wynn

Add the name of Wynn Resorts Ltd., to the list of casino companies interested in Toronto.

The Toronto Sun reported company chairman Steve Wynn visited the city three weeks ago and explored several potential casino sites, including the Toronto Convention Center and the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.

The province of Ontario is considering approval of a single hotel-casino development for Toronto, which is Canada’s largest city. Ontario recently unveiled potential gaming location across the province, but Toronto has the largest footprint, with up to 5,000 slot machines.

Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment Corp., have explored the Toronto market and have met with local government leaders.

“The news of Wynn scoping out the market is not surprising,” said Union Gaming Group managing director Bill Lerner. “At this point, most of the major gaming operators are taking a look at Toronto. Given Wynn’s success in developing resorts as well as its strong balance, the company would certainly be a formidable contender for one of the licenses.”

The city of Toronto on Nov. 5 will submit a staff report that will include possible sites, and social and economic impacts of gaming in the area.

“The general local sentiment for gaming in Toronto has been mixed,” Lerner said.