Inside the GTA, the OLG has encouraged building an integrated resort casino and launched a procurement process, wherein corporations bid for the job to build and run the casino.

For now, it is anyone’s guess as towards the specifics of what a casino inside the GTA could possibly look like. But the financial positive aspects with the project are clear, in accordance with Rod Phillips, president and CEO of OLG.

“When we first began working via the principles of our modernization strategy, we produced conservative estimates,” says Phillips. “We originally projected $3 billion in new capital investment across the province. Considering the fact that hearing from the most sophisticated gaming operators on the planet via our request for facts, [we’ve been told] they’re ready to commit as much as that amount in Toronto alone.”

As portion of its modernization strategy, the OLG won’t appear to public sector funding to construct its new facilities – the private sector would deliver the capital. The economic contribution from a casino and entertainment centre would commence even just before ground is broken.

The capital investment is just a begin, Phillips points out. Next come the jobs.

“This is usually a project that may develop 6,000 construction jobs more than a three-year period,” he explains.

Then there’s the tourism generated by a casino and entertainment, which Phillips estimates will add for the general appeal of Toronto as an international tourist destination. “This integrated entertainment centre can draw clients from around the world,” he says. “In Toronto it’s going to generate considerable tourism revenue.”

Other communities in Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, know the rewards of getting a casino in town. Despite the fact that its mayor Debbie Amoroso doesn’t play the tables at the OLG Casino in town, she speaks fondly of it as well as the presence of OLG in the city.

“It offers a source of entertainment, and not just by way of gaming,” she says.

Due to the casino, new entertainment has been brought in, and the community has benefited from that. The casino has been a component from the community in Sault Ste. Marie because 1999. In 2006 it donated $750,000 for the Sault Area Hospital and has been on a regular basis and straight contributing towards the municipality.

“We get a percentage on the proceeds from the slots, which have gone to points like assisting to construct our new hospital and physician recruitment,” says Amoroso. “Those are main activities which have helped this community move forward within the healthcare field.”

The long-time relationship in between OLG and Sault Ste. Marie is a single that Amoroso speaks highly of. The Ontario Lottery Corporation opened its headquarters there in 1992. Ontario’s instant lottery games are printed there. The Soo knows all about the advantages from the OLG as a companion.

“Certainly the casino here has contributed considerable employment to our neighborhood. We [also] possess the head office here, in order that mixture has designed employment opportunities,” says Amoroso.

“Corporately, they can be really fantastic partners. They’ve hosted and participated within a number of local charity events and sponsored numerous other events. The contribution that they do corporately – [supporting] charities and fundraisers – has seriously added worth to our neighborhood.”

Possible for GTA: Funds, jobs, tourism

OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack is at the moment the only OLG gaming facility within the Greater Toronto Location. Considering the fact that its opening in 2000, the City of Toronto, because the host municipality, has reaped nearly $182 million. With the prospect of a brand new casino within the GTA, that dollar figure – along with the rewards it would provide – would only develop. In line with a brand new report released by Toronto’s city manager, with analysis by Ernst & Young, an integrated entertainment complex built at Exhibition Place could present substantial support to Toronto.

A downtown casino and entertainment complex could help make up to 20,000 much-needed full-time jobs, including in non-gaming sectors for example hospitality. On top of that, construction would build among 6,800 and 8,500 jobs over a three-year period. A Toronto casino also has the possible to provide rewards to regional businesses. And as host to a world-class entertainment and gaming facility, Toronto would also be enhancing its role as a tourist destination. A casino downtown would boost tourism and tourism dollars for nearby businesses.

Other host municipalities have been vocal about their support for OLG in their communities – funding has supported downtown revitalizations, neighborhood foundations and infrastructure – not to mention employment and nearby economic development.

And in accordance with Toronto police, initial concerns about slots at Woodbine racetrack never panned out. In fact, in Windsor, home to a casino, incidents of crime have actually decreased.