Come 2023, Windsor's casino could have a new operator.
As part of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's modernization procurement process, bids will be accepted from companies interested in taking over day-to-day operations from Caesars Entertainment Windsor Limited.
Director of External Communications at OLG, Tony Bitonti says it will be business as usual at the casino as far as patrons are concerned.
"The customers won't see any changes at all. Really, this is more behind the scenes. The reason why we've done this is we have a modernization process that started back in 2012 and what we did at that time is we started looking for private companies to run the day-to-day operations of our casinos," he says.
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Bitonti says this will give other organizations a fair shot at running the casino.
"Caesars Windsor is run by Caesars, but the contracts that we have with those other companies are very different than the one that's been there for almost 20-years with Caesars Windsor," he says. "To ensure greater consistency in the casinos across the province. we want to make sure that all the companies are all on a level playing field."
Bitonti points out, with a successful bid, Caesars could very well be awarded the new contract.
"We do have to start a procurement process. This is not a reflection on Caesars as an operator. They run a great facility and they've generated a lot of revenue for OLG which goes back to the province for health care and education. Really, we want to make sure that there is that level playing field when it comes to Ontario's gaming market," he adds.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens speaks to the media in Council Chambers, October 30, 2019. (Kristylee Varley / AM800 News)
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says the procurement process will have no impact on the city.
"Caesars will continue to be the provider for the next three years. The revenue stream provided to the city will continue and then over the next three years, OLG will move forward and develop the bid package for any casino operator to come forward and provide a competitive bid."
Dilkens says this isn't out of the ordinary in the business world.
"Caesars Windsor has been a great provider and the management there and the leadership have been excellent to work, but they don't have an indefinite contract in operating the casino," he notes. "So what OLG is saying is that over the next three years, they will put together a package and allow the marketplace to bid on being able to operate Caesars Windsor's location."
Bitonti says, if a new operator is chosen, it must retain any current casino employees for at least a year.
The OLG's modernization process has seen new companies take over operations at Casino Rama in Orillia and Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls.
With files from Rob Hindi and Kristylee Varley