It brought jobs, tourists, dollars — and fears of moral decay.

Ontario’s first casino opened 30 years ago in Windsor, instantly becoming the biggest tourist attraction in Essex County. Now known as Caesars Windsor, it has remained the region’s top visitor draw despite constant attacks, from pandemics and 9-11, to jealous U.S. politicians.

Windsor native Kevin Laforet, then happily employed at Hiram Walker distillery, wasn’t looking for a new job when the casino came to town. But after seeing an ad for a financial controller at the yet-to-open operation, he couldn’t resist.

“It was like the circus was coming to town,” Laforet, now president and CEO, said Thursday before an event celebrating the 30-year milestone.

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