The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has confirmed its intention to add the Windsor Gaming Bundle, which consists of the Windsor Casino, to its modernization procurement process. Current operator Caesars Entertainment Windsor has been retained for a further three years while the tender plays out.
OLG said it will use the three-year period to conduct a fair and competitive procurement process for the Windsor Gaming Bundle and transition the day-to-day operations to the successful proponent.
“Launching a competitive procurement to select a long-term service provider for the Windsor Gaming Bundle will complete OLG’s modernization of the Ontario gaming marketplace,” said Stephen Rigby, OLG’s President and CEO. “It will also help protect the long-term competitiveness of the Windsor market.”
OLG has also stipulated that the successful proponent must retain employees at the Windsor Casino for a period of no less than 12 months once it takes over operation of the site in mid-2023. This 12-month retention period is, said the organization, consistent with all other Gaming Bundles in Ontario. Unionized employees will transfer to the successful proponent under the terms and conditions of their collective agreement.
A Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) for the Windsor Gaming Bundle is expected to be released by OLG by fall 2020.
Since 1975, OLG has provided more than $52bn to the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities including health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year, proceeds from its operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.