"I would not be surprised for us to have interest from companies based in North America or in Europe, who have an interest in developing a gambling establishment here in Ontario," McGuinty said Tuesday.

The premier, who added he hadn't had any discussions with MGM, emphasized the province will give municipal councils final say about whether they want a casino.

"At the end of the day, it will be up to the communities to make those decisions. We're not going to put a casino into a community that doesn't want one," he said.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is interested in having a casino but it's not clear if he can muster enough votes on Toronto council to clear the way for a gambling complex.

MGM is reportedly lobbying councillors but has not put its name down on the provincial lobbyist registry.

Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak said he visited MGM in Las Vegas and liked what he saw but isn't sold on the idea of locating a casino in Toronto.

"We need a referendum. Let people here have a say about whether they're interested in one or not," he said.