Point Edward and Sarnia have collectively received over $550,000 in the second quarter from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as part of ongoing payments for hosting local casinos. These payments cover the period from July 1 to September 30, supporting local economies through OLG’s community partnership initiatives.
The Village of Point Edward received $448,477 for hosting Starlight Casino Point Edward. Since the gaming site opened in April 2000, Point Edward has received $53,082,259 in total payments, which the municipality has traditionally used for capital projects and local infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Sarnia was granted $100,036 for hosting Gateway Casinos Sarnia at the Hiawatha Horse Park on the Golden Mile. Since the site opened in May 1999, Sarnia has received a total of $27,871,754 in host payments, supporting local programs and infrastructure improvements.
These payments are distributed quarterly to host communities using a standardized formula that accounts for gaming revenues generated at each site. Since 1994, OLG has shared over $2.1 billion in non-tax gaming revenue with municipalities across Ontario.
“Land-based casinos serve as a source of good local jobs and generate important economic activity in municipalities that host gaming sites,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton. “Proceeds from gaming received through the Municipality Contribution Agreement with OLG, in turn, help strengthen local infrastructure and support community programs.”
The OLG emphasized its ongoing commitment to reinvesting profits into the province while contributing to local economic development, infrastructure, and job creation.