New casino?

[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.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[thistleclub]

OLG PR:

OLG Releases Remaining Gaming RFPQs

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) continues its modernization of the province’s lottery and gaming industry with the launch of the remaining Requests for Pre-Qualification (RFPQs) for gaming. OLG is also issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a potential privately-funded, multi-purpose entertainment centre in Niagara Falls.

Gaming RFPQs

The RFPQs include up to 10 Gaming Zones grouped into three Gaming Bundles:

• GTA Gaming Bundle – Gaming Zones C2 (OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack); C3 (OLG Slots at Ajax Downs); and potentially C8 (Great Blue Heron Casino);
• Central Gaming Bundle – Gaming Zones C5 (OLG Slots at Georgian Downs); C6 (Casino Rama); and C7 (proposed new gaming site in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach); and
• West GTA Gaming Bundle – Gaming Zones C4 (OLG Slots at Mohawk Racetrack); SW1 (OLG Slots at Grand River Raceway); SW2 (OLG Casino Brantford); and SW9 (OLG Slots at Flamboro Downs).

“These Gaming Bundles represent unique opportunities for service providers to leverage the success of our existing gaming sites, with their established customer bases and experienced employees,” said Rod Phillips, President and CEO, OLG. “This will also be an opportunity for a service provider to develop a new facility in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach.”

The RFPQ process enables OLG to create a list of qualified service providers who are then eligible to receive the Request for Proposal (RFP) documents for specific Gaming Bundles. OLG has been releasing RFPQs for the modernization of gaming in stages. The release of these RFPQs follows the RFPQs for Gaming Bundles in Southwestern Ontario, Ottawa Area, Ontario East and Ontario North.

OLG has done its due diligence in reviewing the responses to gaming RFPQs that have closed and is currently considering service providers who will be eligible to receive the RFP documents. OLG will begin the RFP process for gaming in the coming months by releasing RFP documents to selected service providers.

As part of the RFP process, pre-qualified service providers will, in some cases, be able to propose the construction of a new gaming site anywhere within an OLG-defined geographic Gaming Zone, where there is municipal support.

"It is important to understand the complexity of the decision making about moving a site—or building a new one. Not only does there need to be demonstrated customer interest and a compelling business case that results in increased revenue for the Government of Ontario, there also needs to be a willing municipal host," said Phillips. "And where there is a slots at racetrack facility, a proposal has to make sense for the horse racing industry. Any new site or relocation of an existing site is subject to final approval from the Ontario government."

....

Interested service providers are required to submit proposals for an entire Gaming Bundle as set out in the RFPQ, not for individual Gaming Zones or gaming sites contained within the bundle. This means that service providers are being asked to demonstrate their ability to operate all facilities in a Gaming Bundle.

Service providers interested in the GTA, West GTA and Central Gaming Bundles must respond to the RFPQs by March 13, 2014.

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by 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.

If the province really wants a Casino in this city they will impose their will on the city and there won't be much we can do about it. The province makes the rules, not the city.

[coalminecanary]

The city actually gets to choose potential locations through zoning.

But yes, they can essentially impose their will by tricking council with promises of gold.

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

The city actually gets to choose potential locations through zoning.

But yes, they can essentially impose their will by tricking council with promises of gold.

No they can actually change the municipal act, they have the power to do so since they wrote the act. They are the higher authority who controls how municipalities do business.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

No they can actually change the municipal act, they have the power to do so since they wrote the act. They are the higher authority who controls how municipalities do business.

They could do the same in any other city that has said no, then.

Why would we have to bend over and take it?
(I'm not anti-casino, but I'm not convinced it's a good idea downtown either)

[Beedok]

If they really wanted a casino in another city they'd do the same. Toronto is a contentious electoral zone for the Liberals though, so they want to keep it happy. Hamilton is mostly a safe NDP zone so the current government probably cares less about what's wanted here.

[thistleclub]

Relevant detail From the GTA West RFPQ:

The proposal requirements and evaluation criteria will be described in detail in the RFP, but will focus primarily on the following two key objectives of OLG:

• first, increasing Gaming Revenue for the benefit of OLG and the Province; and

• second, promoting economic development through job creation and capital investment in Gaming Bundle 6 (West GTA).

The Successful Respondent will enter into a Transition and Asset Purchase Agreement and a Casino Operating and Services Agreement with OLG and will perform the obligations of the Service Provider under each agreement. While OLG will at all times be responsible for the conduct and management of gaming, the Service Provider will have certain exclusive rights. It will be responsible for the operation of the Gaming Sites located in Gaming Zones C4, SW1, SW2 and SW9 for a term of approximately 21 years, with the option to extend the term for unlimited periods of 10 years each, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Casino Operating and Services Agreement….

As noted above, each of the Gaming Zones currently contains an existing Gaming Site. At this time, OLG has an agreement with the Racetrack Site Owners in Gaming Zones C4 and SW1 to remain in the existing Gaming Sites and is continuing to negotiate new Racetrack Premises Leases for all such Gaming Sites. It is expected that extensions to the agreements or new Racetrack Premises Leases will be finalized prior to the RFP submission deadline and that the Service Provider will be permitted to continue to operate the existing Gaming Sites at their current locations. In addition, OLG has entered into a Racetrack Premises Lease with the Racetrack Site Owner in Gaming Zone SW9 for a term of 5 years commencing April 1, 2013.

During the term of the Casino Operating and Services Agreement, it may be possible to relocate some or all of the existing Gaming Sites to other locations within the applicable Gaming Zones. Any such relocation will be subject to OLG approval and such other approvals as are prescribed by Regulation 81/12 of the OLGC Act (including approval of a business case for the relocation). In determining whether to grant its approval, OLG will consider, among other things, whether the applicable relocation will enhance the achievement of OLG’s two key objectives referred to above, and whether it aligns with related provincial policy interests, including policies with respect to the projected impact on live horseracing, as determined in consultation with relevant Governmental Authorities.

[thistleclub]

A reminder of Council's stand:

WHEREAS the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has confirmed that the City of Hamilton has full control over the location of the proposed gaming facility;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has provided, in writing (attached hereto), confirmation that the proposed gaming facility site must be approved by the OLG, the private sector operator and the City of Hamilton in order to proceed.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

(a) That the City of Hamilton reserves the right to veto the proposed alternative gaming facility site(s), as identified in the Request for Proposal process.

(b) That the City of Hamilton supports, in principle, being a "willing host" for a gaming facility site in the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9);

(c) That the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation consider 967 Highway 5 West, Flamborough, Ontario, which is currently known as the Flamboro Downs location, within the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9), as the City of Hamilton’s choice for a gaming facility site;

(d) That the City of Hamilton strongly encourages the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to establish a Request for Pre-Qualification process that is fair, transparent, open and competitive; and, one which will provide proponents, including the current Flamboro Downs operators, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, an opportunity to compete within a level playing field;

(e) That, if during the Request for Proposal process, any potential, prequalified proponents demonstrate to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the City of Hamilton that the 967 Highway 5 West, Flamborough Ontario site, which is known as the current Flamboro Downs location, is not a viable site, that only then, the City be willing to explore other sites of interest with prospective proponents, within the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9) that permits a gaming facility operation;

(f) That any and all sites to be considered as the gaming facility site, be subject to Council approved conditions.


Yeas: Pasuta, Partridge, Johnson, Jackson, Collins, Merulla, Morelli, Farr, McHattie
Nays: Bratina, Ferguson, Pearson, Clark, Whitehead
Absent: Duvall and Powers

[bigguy1231]

Originally Posted by Beedok

If they really wanted a casino in another city they'd do the same. Toronto is a contentious electoral zone for the Liberals though, so they want to keep it happy. Hamilton is mostly a safe NDP zone so the current government probably cares less about what's wanted here.

I had written the same thing in my comment but deleted it before posting opting to keep politics out of my comment. But you are correct the Liberals need Toronto to stay in power. If they had a majority government things might be different.

[markbarbera]

Originally Posted by thistleclub

A reminder of Council's stand:

WHEREAS the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has confirmed that the City of Hamilton has full control over the location of the proposed gaming facility;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has provided, in writing (attached hereto), confirmation that the proposed gaming facility site must be approved by the OLG, the private sector operator and the City of Hamilton in order to proceed.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

(a) That the City of Hamilton reserves the right to veto the proposed alternative gaming facility site(s), as identified in the Request for Proposal process.

(b) That the City of Hamilton supports, in principle, being a "willing host" for a gaming facility site in the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9);

(c) That the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation consider 967 Highway 5 West, Flamborough, Ontario, which is currently known as the Flamboro Downs location, within the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9), as the City of Hamilton’s choice for a gaming facility site;

(d) That the City of Hamilton strongly encourages the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to establish a Request for Pre-Qualification process that is fair, transparent, open and competitive; and, one which will provide proponents, including the current Flamboro Downs operators, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, an opportunity to compete within a level playing field;

(e) That, if during the Request for Proposal process, any potential, prequalified proponents demonstrate to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the City of Hamilton that the 967 Highway 5 West, Flamborough Ontario site, which is known as the current Flamboro Downs location, is not a viable site, that only then, the City be willing to explore other sites of interest with prospective proponents, within the Hamilton Gaming Zone (SW9) that permits a gaming facility operation;

(f) That any and all sites to be considered as the gaming facility site, be subject to Council approved conditions.


Yeas: Pasuta, Partridge, Johnson, Jackson, Collins, Merulla, Morelli, Farr, McHattie
Nays: Bratina, Ferguson, Pearson, Clark, Whitehead
Absent: Duvall and Powers

I wonder if council is as resolved in this stand as they were for the West Harbour stadium.