Michigan gamblers are welcome in Caesars Windsor Casino, said the CEO of Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island, Gordon Orr. Currently, casino workers in the state are out on strike, and Mr. Orr said the Windsor location will provide them with a world-class experience without the need to cross any picket lines. But still acknowledged the difficult situation for the U.S. workers.
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, approximately 3,700 unionized employees of MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown went on strike. It should be noted that the workers’ contract expired without them having a new agreement in place with the employer. It remains to be seen whether a new deal can be struck any time soon.
Windsor Offers Similar Gambling Product
The CEO of TWEPI said that the province takes no pleasure in seeing its U.S. gaming friends on strike and that are in this position. However, Mr. Orr noted that at the same time, the city wanted to recognize that the region offers a similar product on this side of the border. He said Caesars Windsor Casino comes with a world-class gaming experience and invited U.S. gamblers.
Meanwhile, the gaming property’s manager of public relations and communications Susanne Tompkins commented that U.S. visitors have always had a crucial part in the region’s business and said that they are welcome to visit the casino, either for the first time or for a return visit. This way they will be able to experience the venue’s top-notch Caesars brand.
Mr. Orr continued by adding that the casino is a number one tourist attraction in the city, as it offers world-class gaming, a 5,000-seat Coliseum with top entertainment, gambling, and last but not least dining. In his words, tourism levels in Windsor-Essex continue to bolster to pre-unprecedented situation levels, meaning that the economic spinoff is still a lucrative one for the city.
Just recently, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation sent out its second-quarter gaming payments to host communities, and Windsor received a hefty payment. For Q2, the casino delivered more than CA$2.3 million. Since the start of the fiscal year on April 1, 2023, the gaming location has now accumulated above CA$5.7 million in economic benefit to the city.
Mr. Orr remarked that Windsor-Essex enjoys over 4.4 million visitors a year which helps support regionally about 10,000 jobs, which spend approximately CA$669 million. He explained that the casino has a huge role in attracting tourists and elaborated that over 33% of American visitors are those coming to experience the premium gaming at the Caesars casino.
OLG is Seeking Next Operator
In the meantime, OLG is looking for the next operator to conduct the day-to-day operations at Caesars Windsor Casino. This month, the Crown issued a Request for Proposal documents to pre-qualified proponents, which have been given the go-ahead to submit the terms of their bid to operate the gaming establishment. The winner will take over the reins in 2025.
Source: Campbell, Chris “Michigan casino-goers encouraged to cross border, not picket lines” CTV News Windsor, October 20, 2023
