Claiming that its part of a redevelopment plan to demonstrate they are “in the game for the long haul,� Casino Windsor will open the areas first sports betting parlor on Friday.

“It’s a quality, quality venue with state-of-the-art visual equipment,� said vice-president of casino corporate affairs, Keith Andrews. With patron seating of around170, the new Legends Sports Lounge will feature 36 TV screens along with an assortment of slot machines located in the bar area. Unlike the sports books in Las Vegas however, gamblers will be required to place at least three wagers at a time, according to the rules established by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

Much like the popular Proline gambling system, bettors can wager on games straight-up, against the point spread or the over-under. Other options such as yards gained in a football game or three pointers scored in basketball will be offered as well. College football, basketball and the four major professional sports leagues will also be available for wagering.

Jacob Miklojcik, president of Michigan Consultants thinks Legends is a “dynamite attraction,� that will bring in gamblers that otherwise would conduct their sports betting over the internet or with bookies. “The attraction is the communal aspect of being able to sit in the same room with a large group of excitable like-minded people all there for the same reason-to bet on sports.

While Miklojcik doubts the sports lounge will put a dent in the three competing Michigan casinos vying for the same market share, he does think a new genre of gambler will flock to a place where they can wager on sports legally. “These are going to be people who already bet on sports and want to do it out in the open,� he said. “And there’s also a fair chance they’ll attract some people who would normally head to Vegas for sports gambling.�

-Danny Davis