Caesars Casino Operation Renewed by OLG in Windsor
May 9, 2025
4:41h
Last updated: May 10, 2025
8:52h
Mark Keast Read More
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OLG inks two-decade gaming pact with Caesars to operate Windsor casino
Rival candidates Mohegan and Bally's were reportedly in the running
Caesars has been Casinos Windsor's operator since 1994
In an official announcement today, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) confirmed Caesars Entertainment Inc. as the preferred operator for its Windsor casino property, following a demanding procurement process.
Sources Confirm Competition
Initiated in 2023, OLG initiated the hunt for an operator for the Windsor casino by releasing a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ). Rumor has it that rivals Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment and Bally's Corporation were also contenders.
Caesars and its predecessors have been partnering with OLG to manage the Windsor casino, renamed as Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, since the temporary facility's inception in 1994.
The daily operations at Windsor casino, which includes over 1,700 slot machines, 85 table games, a poker room, a sportsbook, a hotel, seven bars and lounges, six restaurants, and The Colosseum theater, are typically OLG's responsibility. However, they contract third-party providers, like Caesars, to manage the site, ensuring adherence to OLG standards and stable income for local communities.
Municipal Perks
Under the new agreement, municipalities will receive a percentage of slot machine, table game, and sportsbook revenues. The breakdown includes:
- 5.25% on the first $65 million of slot revenue
- 3.0% on the next $135 million of slot revenue
- 2.5% on the next $300 million of slot revenue
- 0.5% on slot revenue above $500 million
- 4.0% of table game revenue (if applicable)
- 4.0% of sportsbook revenue (if applicable)
Since 1994, OLG has disbursed a whopping CAD 131 million to the City of Windsor as gaming host contributions.
Caesars' tenure will conclude by the year's end, but last July OLG revealed it would extend their agreement with Caesars Entertainment Windsor for another seven months, ending in March 2026. The ongoing partnership will now stretch for two decades as they have agreed to the new 20-year deal, set to commence in early 2026.
A Two-Decade Sequel
Although OLG remains tight-lipped about the selection process, industry insiders reported that Caesars, Bally's, and Mohegan were the prominent contenders vying for the contract.
Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, expressed excitement about the new venture, stating, "We are thrilled to be chosen as the service provider for the Windsor Casino by the OLG. Caesars has had a rich history managing Windsor, and we eagerly look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service and experiences at the property."
OLG mandates Caesars to maintain current casino employees for at least 18 months following the agreement commencement, a common requirement in Ontario's gaming sector.
- The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has chosen Caesars Entertainment Inc. to operate the Windsor casino for a two-decade period, starting early in 2026.
- The new agreement between OLG and Caesars will ensure that municipalities, including Windsor, continue to receive a share of revenues from slot machines, table games, and sportsbooks at the Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino.
- Caesars Entertainment has expressed excitement about the new partnership, having been responsible for managing the Windsor casino since its temporary inception in 1994.
- The procurement process for the Windsor casino was initially initiated in 2023, with Caesars, Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, and Bally's Corporation being prominent candidates vying for the contract.
