Wednesday was a special day for the City of Greater Sudbury, as it bagged a hefty slice of the overall gambling revenue generated by the gaming hall at Sudbury Downs. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation presented the generous cheque reaching CA$2.3 million that comes as a result of the operation in the past fiscal year that ended March 31, 2018. This amount added to the overall amount bagged by the community thanks to gaming operation.
Every spring brings a special period of the year when gambling corporations prepare for the regular allocations that make their way to the host communities of casino venues and gaming halls. These slices of the gambling revenue are a mandatory addition to every gambling operation taking place in a regulated manner. With the help of special agreements, every community bags a percentage of the revenue generated.
Greater Sudbury Bags Allocation
Such is the case with the City of Greater Sudbury, which welcomed the good news during a special presentation taking place at Tom Davies Square this Wednesday. The amount reaches CA$2.3 million and is part of the gaming revenue amassed between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2018, at the hall adjacent to Sudbury Downs. This amount is now added to the overall bag of cash generated by the slots hall, reaching CA$40.2 million.
The City of Greater Sudbury received its first allocation back in 2001 and ever since then the support has been ongoing. Said funding is later on used for bringing to life capital investments across the area that are in need of a financial boost. With the help of the last annual allocation, the City was able to finish the construction work on Municipal Road 15, a project of great importance.
In addition to that, gambling cash was also used for a crucial Whitson River bridge renovation. It should also be pointed out that the Capreol 2018 Community Improvement Plan benefitted from a portion of the allocated sum. Phase one of the project included the waterfront improvement which was finalized by mid-2018.
Gambling Operator Eyes Relocation
Mayor Brian Bigger received the cheque from Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and ensured that the funding is used for a better future in Greater Sudbury. Moreover, OLG Quest for Gold is also able to boost athletes relying on additional support. Collin Cameron, a para-nordic skier is one of the program’s beneficiaries.
As for the gaming venue that is responsible for the size of the allocation, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is the gaming operator overseeing its day-to-day operation. It offers a reliable and steady income for as many as 129 individuals, boosting the local employment market. There are some 409 slot devices in operation, but there would be changes down the road.
The gaming operator’s license is set to expire in April 2020 and it has been recently confirmed that Gateway Casinos is seeking a temporary gambling opportunity ahead of Kingsway Entertainment District’s launch of operation. Since many factors have an impact on the entertainment zone project, its launch date could take place in 2021 or even 2022, depending on construction speed. In the meantime, Gateway Casinos wants to continue operation and to meet players’ expectations prior to the official relocation to the new permanent casino venue.