Great Canadian Gaming Corporation is among the leading casino operators in Canada overseeing multiple locations. Now it was confirmed that the casino operator would continue its management of the slots venue at Ajax Downs racetrack. The agreement with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation would mean that the gaming venue would not close for good anytime soon.
The modernization process of Ontario was one of the opportunities for bringing a breath of fresh air to the field previously overseen solely by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The casino operator received green light for the operation of the Greater Toronto Area gaming bundle of casino locations. This meant that Casino Woodbine, Great Blue Heron Casino, and Casino Ajax welcomed their new management.
Casino Ajax Continues Operation
In previous conversations, it has been confirmed that Casino Ajax would have to close for good with subsequent relocation to a brand new casino resort that would be built in Pickering. This caused quite the tension between the two communities since a casino venue is often associated with increased tourists flow and regular gaming revenue allocations to the host community.
The slots location in Ajax Downs launched operation in 2006 and ever since then, it has granted the city some CA$80 million in non-tax gaming revenue. Such a substantial boost is something both of the municipalities need and this eventually led to the conflict. Durham Live was announced about a year ago with its chosen location in Pickering. Meanwhile, Ajax officials promised to restore justice and keep Casino Ajax up and running.
They pointed out that the casino allocation is not the sole reason for the opposition since the new casino resort is going to impose significant changes to the pinpointed area. Traffic was projected to increase as a result of the new complex and roadwork would have to be done prior to the launch. The legal battle lasted for months until September 2018 saw the Casino Ajax expansion approval.
Durham Live Plans Still on the Table
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government gave the nod to both projects that would compete in the relatively tight market only kilometers away. This called for a change of OLG’s rules of operation, as the two locations are going to be overseen by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. The two venues will have different gaming opportunities on offer catering to different needs.
Casino Ajax will continue operation with 500 instead of 800 slot machines, whereas Durham Live is going to feature more than 2,700 slot machines and 1,000 table games. The new bundle lease agreement inked with OLG is going to guarantee Ajax Downs future, as it would continue receiving support from the gaming venue. Rod Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the casino operator, claimed that the East Great Toronto Area gaming bundle and the West one gave the company new strength for development.
The former guaranteed the township of Cavan Monaghan, the City of Peterborough and surrounding areas, the City of Belleville and the municipality of Quinte West, as well as the City of Kingston and surrounding areas, including Gananoque and Leeds and Thousand Islands. The latter guaranteed that the casino operator would oversee operation at gaming venues in Brantford, at Mohawk Racetrack, Flamboro Downs, and at Grand River Raceway.
