It's been 25 years since the gaming industry landed in Windsor.
Caesars Windsor is marking that milestone with a celebration of what's been accomplished in a quarter century.
Caesars Regional President Kevin Laforet says the business started in a converted brewery in May 1994 and has evolved into a world class gaming and entertainment facility with a global presence.
Laforet says there was no competition on day one, but that changed over time.
"With any monopoly you get competition, the Detroit casinos opened, you saw casinos in Ohio and Michigan and throughout Ontario,” he says. “We saw the smoking ban, the thickening of the border with 9-11 and the passport regulations. So we've been able to adjust over the years. It's a different business but a much more competitive business."
Laforet remembers two major moments in the evolution of the casino, the first was opening day.
"It was still uncharted territory so when we saw the customers come and said, OK this is going to really work. And then I think the second when we became Caesars and Billy Joel was here for the opening and the Caesars light went on and the sign went on. It felt like we'd arrived in the gaming industry."
He acknowledges one of the hiccups has been the three strikes, but he says it's part of their history and hopes for fewer in the future.
By the numbers, Caesars Windsor has paid $2.5-billion in wages, contributed $87-million to the city, employs 2300 people and has given out $15-million through Caesars Windsor Cares.