New casino?

[thistleclub]

It’s decision time on potential Woolwich casino
(KW Record, Greg Mercer, Mar 4 2013)

ELMIRA — For Woolwich Township Mayor Todd Cowan, it’s a chance to rewrite history. It may also be the biggest decision he’s faced yet.

After months of debate, public meetings and arguments on both sides, Woolwich Township’s leaders will vote Tuesday night whether or not to tell the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. they’d be a willing host for a casino.

If they vote yes, Waterloo Region could become home to a casino with as many as 1,200 slots and hundreds of tables — a prospect that doesn’t sit well with Woolwich’s neighbouring urban municipalities.

A proposal by the rural township that suggests the potential casino could go on the border with either Waterloo or Kitchener has only increased that tension. Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr has argued the region ought to have a say on a project that could impact shared policing and social services.

But for Cowan, this is Woolwich’s decision to make, with millions of dollars on the line. The township estimates a casino could generate about $4 million a year in hosting revenue, which it says could be used to fix roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

[thistleclub]

Wasaga Beach is in Zone C7 (up to 300 slot machines, table games TBD).

Staff to report back on casino option, New Tecumseth not in OLG zone
(New Tecumseth Free Press, Mar 5 2013)

Deputy mayor Rick Milne won support last night to have Town staff look into its options related to hosting one of the small OLG casinos allocated to specified zones across the province. However, New Tecumseth isn't included within the two zones designated in the Simcoe County region. The nearest, C5, includes Barrie, Innisfil, and Oro-Medonto, while the other, includes Wasaga Beach, Clearview, and Collingwood. Innisfil has been assured by OLG that it will continue to be a host for slot machines, but whether that happens at Georgian Downs in the long term, continues to be negotiated. Barrie has been discussing the casino option, but no firm decision has been made. Wasaga Beach is the only municipality that has voted to be a willing host site.

[SteelTown]

That might be a game changer.

[thistleclub]

Another Delta modernization was announced yesterday.

OLG PR:

New Charitable Gaming Products Available In Niagara Falls

TORONTO – The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), together with the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association and Commercial Gaming Association have completed the next stage of the revitalization of charitable gaming in Niagara Falls.

The purpose of the revitalization of charitable gaming is to provide local charities with a sustainable source of revenue; to enable gaming centre operators to offer new products and services to remain competitive and support employment; and to offer customers the experience of new electronic gaming options.

The Delta Monte Carlo Gaming Centre in Niagara Falls will now offer customers new electronic versions of traditional games that have been played at Bingo centres for years. These new electronic games will complement the existing paper bingo games.

Product / Opening Date
Electronic Bingo / May 22
Tap Tix / June 27

“We are pleased that these innovations to traditional bingo hall games will bring a new dimension of fun and excitement for our customers,” said George Sweny, Senior Vice President of Internet and Charitable Gaming at OLG. “By introducing electronic versions of games that people have been enjoying for years, we provide a new method for charitable fundraising for the Windsor community. “

In 2005 OLG introduced an e-bingo pilot project at six sites throughout Ontario. Over the last seven years this project increased the revenue raised for Ontario charities by $43-million.

“Moving from traditional paper-based games to a new electronic version we are able to revitalize the charitable gaming industry and provide a sustainable source of revenue for our associated charities to continue their important work in the Windsor area.” said Lynn Cassidy, Executive Director of the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association.

More charitable gaming centres across the province will complete their revitalization in the coming months.

[thistleclub]

GCGC PR:

Great Canadian Gaming Reaches Definitive Agreements For Transition Funding For Horse Racing At Georgian Downs And Flamboro Downs

May 24, 2013 – Richmond, BC – Today, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation [TSX:GC] (“Great Canadian” or “the Company”) announced that it has signed definitive agreements with the Government of Ontario for horse racing transition funding. This funding will provide support to continue horse racing at the Company’s Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs racetracks for up to two years beyond March 31, 2013 as Ontario’s horse racing industry adapts to a more sustainable model.

Under the terms of these agreements, the Company will receive transition funding from the provincial government for track operations at its Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs racetracks. In the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, the Company expects that Georgian Downs will run approximately 25 race days over a three-month period and Flamboro Downs will run approximately 100 race days over a six-month period. The exact numbers of race days are subject to approval by the Ontario Racing Commission.

“Thanks to the efforts of both the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Finance, we are pleased to be able to continue to host live horse racing fans at Flamboro Downs and Georgian Downs,” stated Mr. Howard Blank, Great Canadian’s Vice President of Communications, Entertainment and Responsible Gaming. “The finalization of these agreements is good news for the short term future of horse racing in Ontario. We are committed to working with the Provincial Government and the Province’s horse racing industry to pursue a longer term, more sustainable business model for horseracing in Ontario.”

[Beedok]

Well if Toronto isn't building one then Hamilton doing so might actually make some sense, that way we'd have some chance of drawing in tourist dollars. Now if only they'd stick it somewhere beside a highway, like Confederation Park.

[thistleclub]

Last November, Richmond Hill seemed less than enthused. That was apparently still the case in late March:

Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow told the Star he knows that if Toronto slams the door on a casino, the pressure on his community to accept one will increase. “I guess we’d have to see what’s happening, but… most resident feedback in Richmond Hill is they are opposed to a casino here.”

[SteelTown]

Dreschel: RockHammer still holding cards in casino game

The debate over a new casino may be taking a breather, but it hasn't gone away by a long shot.

The RockHammer corporation, which wants to build a $200-million hotel-casino downtown, is alive and kicking and eagerly awaiting Ontario Lottery and Gaming's cattle call for Hamilton proposals.

RockHammer spokesperson Mark McSporran says the partnership between the Carmen's Group, LIUNA pension fund and Hard Rock International, fully intends to take part in OLG's upcoming tendering process.

McSporran says the partners may even submit a bid to operate a casino-entertainment complex at Flamboro Downs, if that's the site ultimately chosen for expanded gambling.

"As long as it makes sense to us when the numbers are run, then absolutely we're going to look at any scenario."

McSporran is a former OLG senior manager hired by Carmen's as a consultant. He says RockHammer's "grand vision" for an entertainment destination hasn't changed, but the concept is evolving.

"There's no question that there is still work that we're conducting. However, because this is a competitive process, that's something that we are keeping to ourselves right now."

http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story...n-casino-game/

[movingtohamilton]

I'll make a bet that the lack of enthusiasm for a new casino in the GTA will inevitably lead to one in Hamilton, and that it will be built in the downtown core. Rockhammer's power to build it is unstoppable. "Community" opposition is a mere irritant.

Takers?

[mattgrande]

Originally Posted by movingtohamilton

I'll make a bet that the lack of enthusiasm for a new casino in the GTA will inevitably lead to one in Hamilton, and that it will be built in the downtown core. Rockhammer's power to build it is unstoppable. "Community" opposition is a mere irritant.

Takers?

I'm betting you're right, even if it's not my desired outcome.

That being said, if there isn't one built in Toronto (ie, if Hamilton's is the only full casino in the GTHA), then maybe, just maybe, it could be successful, if done right.

I'm still pulling for Flamborough, personally.

[coalminecanary]

All of a sudden downtown hamilton is the easiest place for people from all over the GTA to get to? I guess what works for gamblers doesn't work for football fans

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Ha ha...nicely played.

[markbarbera]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

All of a sudden downtown hamilton is the easiest place for people from all over the GTA to get to? I guess what works for gamblers doesn't work for football fans

It doesn't. 20,000+ gamblers would not entering and leaving the downtown core in their cars within a 4-hour timeframe.

[thistleclub]

GCGC PR:

Great Canadian Gaming Further Extends Interim Arrangements for OLG to Continue Operating Slot Facilities at Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs

October 31, 2013 – Richmond, BC – Great Canadian Gaming Corporation [TSX:GC] (“Great Canadian” or the “Company”) today announced that its interim arrangements with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (“OLG”) for the continued operation of OLG slot facilities at Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs have been extended to November 15, 2013. These extensions allow OLG more time to finalize the definitive lease agreements with the Company. The current interim arrangements with the OLG have been in place since March 31, 2013, when the previous site holder agreements for Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs expired.

On March 9, 2013, the Company and OLG signed non-binding letters of intent outlining terms by which OLG will lease the slot machine areas of Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs commencing April 1, 2013 for a term of five years. The Company and OLG have been operating as though the key provisions of these lease arrangements came into effect on April 1, 2013.

[thistleclub]

Q3 Results from Great Canadian Gaming Corp. (Nov 6, 2013):

Great Canadian recorded revenues of $103.1 million during the third quarter of 2013, a $1.3 million, or 1%, increase from the third quarter of 2012. EBITDA was $39.1 million, a $3.3 million, or 9%, increase from the third quarter of 2012. Both these increases were primarily due to revenue growth at the River Rock Casino Resort (“River Rock”), in addition to improvements at both the Company’s Other BC Casinos and Great American Casinos. These increases were offset by declines at both the Boulevard Casino (“Boulevard”) and the Company`s Ontario Racetracks. EBITDA as a percentage of revenues for the third quarter of 2013 was 37.9%, a 2.7 percentage point increase from the third quarter of 2012....

Since April 1, 2013, Great Canadian’s Ontario Racetracks have operated under interim lease arrangements with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Under the terms of these agreements, these two racetracks now receive both lease revenues from the OLG and horse racing transition funding from the Government of Ontario. However, they no longer receive a fixed percentage of the OLG’s slot revenues, and do not directly share in horse racing pari-mutuel wagering revenues. As a result of these changes, these facilities witnessed declines in both overall revenues and EBITDA. We are pleased to continue our relationship with the OLG, and look forward to developing this relationship further as the gaming industry in Ontario continues its evolution.

Q3 2008: $8.6 million
Q3 2009: $7.4 million
Q3 2010: $5.3 million
Q3 2011: $5.2 million
Q3 2012: $4.3 million
Q3 2013: $3.8 million

Q3 revenues down 12% vs 2012, 27% vs 2011, 56% vs 2008.

[thistleclub]

OLG PR:

Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization to Benefit Local Charities in Oakville

TORONTO – The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), together with the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA) and Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario (CGAO) have made further progress in the revitalization of charitable bingo and gaming in Oakville with the introduction of new electronic games.

The goal of this revitalization is to ensure local charities have a viable way to fundraise; to support local programs; to enhance local charitable operations and support local employment at the gaming centres; and to offer customers a new entertainment experience.

"Enhancing the charitable gaming experience is about providing good entertainment for our players while also supporting local charities that make a difference to the people of Oakville," said George Sweny, Senior Vice President of Charitable and iGaming at OLG. "These changes will give our customers a new way to play their favourite game."

Delta Oakville Bingo now offers customers the choice of new electronic games or the traditional paper-based games that have been played at Bingo centres for years.

“Adding new electronic products to our traditional paper-based games enables us to revitalize the charitable gaming industry and provide a sustainable source of revenue for our associated charities to continue their important work in communities” said Lynn Cassidy, Executive Director of the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association.

The introduction of these new devices follows a successful 2005 pilot program which introduced e-bingo at six sites in five communities throughout the province which resulted in a significant increase of revenue raised for local communities. Since the launch of the pilot program, more than $54 million in additional funds has been raised for Ontario charities.

More charitable gaming centres across the province will complete their revitalization in the coming months.


Delta Bingo’s Oakville location joins previously announced electronic bingo conversions at Delta locations in Peterborough, Pickering, Niagara Falls and Brampton.

[thistleclub]

The OLG has unveiled its first Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

[durandy]

Originally Posted by movingtohamilton

I'll make a bet that the lack of enthusiasm for a new casino in the GTA will inevitably lead to one in Hamilton, and that it will be built in the downtown core. Rockhammer's power to build it is unstoppable. "Community" opposition is a mere irritant.

Takers?

disagree unless something's changed in the city since last time. There are too many councillors outspoken against it. I'd agree that the CasiNO campaign is pretty minor, but there are many other interests opposed to it. Also rockhammer is a bunch of minnows trying to act like they're big fish. Dreschel must have been paid off to write this. The sum of it seems to be: a Rockhammer spokesman says they are planning to bid on the casino, therefore they are holding the cards?

[LikeHamilton]

OLG takes first step toward a new Hamilton casino

CBC News Posted: Dec 12, 2013 1:45 PM ET

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation is taking the first step toward opening a casino in Hamilton.

The OLG announced Thursday it was now looking for bidders interested in establishing "gaming facilities" in several zone across the province, and included the Hamilton zone in the list.

This first step is to ask bidders to submit Requests for Pre-Qualification (RFPG). This step allows the OLG to come up with a list of credible, potential service providers to operate a new casino, or gambling facility.

From there, the selected providers are able to receive Request for Proposal documents for a new facility, or an existing one.

Currently, the Slots at Flamboro Downs is the only OLG facility in this gaming zone.

Milton and Brantford are also on the RFPQ list.

More to come.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilt...sino-1.2461659

[coalminecanary]

Now would be a good time for council to designate gaming zones. Ideally, one at flamborough and no others. If OLG wants a casino here, it can go where the races are already running successfully.