A citizens group has launched an anti-casino campaign, about a month before the debate heats up at Toronto city hall.

The group called No Casino Toronto unveiled its website nocasinotoronto.com and online petition Tuesday, urging councillors to reject a casino in Toronto.

The OLG says a casino will be built in the GTA but only in a city that wants one and says building one would create thousands of jobs.

But the group says those jobs will be lost elsewhere as a casino would "cannibalize" local businesses.

"They (local businesses) really are in jeopardy," says Maureen Lynett. "Our research confirms it. If they're nervous about it, they have reason to be."

Some business owners, like Fred Luk of Fred's Not Here and the Red Tomato Restaurants says the problem is that casinos are designed to keep people inside, not roaming the streets and popping into local shops and businesses.

"People go into a casino and check into the hotel. (Then) you will have a beautiful restaurant...you'll have a 6,000 seat entertainment venue. People will not be leaving the casino, they'll be staying in there," he says.

In early November city hall's executive committee is expected to consider a report from the city manager on the pros and cons of a casino in Toronto.