Just recently, the City of Hamilton celebrated an important milestone, as it hit the CA$100-million mark in receiving gambling revenue for hosting Elements Casino Flamboro. At the end of last month, city officials and local community partners gathered to mark the community occasion which was possible thanks to the opening of the gaming property in 1999.
Elements Casino Flamboro is owned by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation but operated by Great Canadian Entertainment. Every quarter, the city bags a portion of its revenue which is provided through the Municipality Contribution Agreement with the OLG. Through the compact, the Crown shares its profits with hosts which reinvest it in their communities.
Just over CA$100 Million in Revenue
Craig Betts, Regional Vice President of GTA West Operations at the casino operator, said the company was proud to join the OLG and celebrate the major milestone for the location, the OLG, and the city. He said the casino allocations are a great benefit to the Hamilton region, and the company was committed to continuing its service to the region.
A cheque worth CA$100,503,321 was presented by the OLG to the city. The special ceremony saw participation from the General Manager of the casino, Sean Coyle, the city’s Director of Economic Development, Norm Schleehahn, President & CEO, of Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, Greg Dunnett, and Ward 15 Councillor, Flamborough Waterdown, Ted McMeekin.
According to the OLG, the city bagged over CA$5.3 million in municipal contribution agreement allocations from the Crown corporation. This was for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, which ended on March 31, 2023, and it was a remarkable 47% increase from the previous FY. The funds will be now invested into the city’s infrastructure and economy.
But in addition to economic benefits through gambling revenue every quarter, Elements Casino Flamboro also provides stable jobs to the local population. Currently, it employs around 150 team members who help operate the site, as well as staffers who work at Flamboro Downs racetrack. Nearly 50% of the employees at the casino are local residents, said OLG.
Distributing Casinos’ Profits
Not long ago, the OLG also presented a cheque worth CA$1,449,273 to the City of Sault Ste. Marie for hosting its casino for the FY 2022-23. Since the opening of Gateway Casinos Sault Ste. Marie. It has generated nearly CA$34 million in gambling proceeds for the city. Money will be used for several municipal facilities and to offset the municipal tax levy.
Recently, the Town of Wasaga Beach also shared plans of what it intends on doing with some of its casino returns. Town officials reported that a new community health centre and after-hours clinic are in the works. The new facility will help residents of the town and other nearby communities. It is expected to be up and running as early as September 1, 2023.
Source: “Elements Casino Flamboro Celebrates $100M to City of Hamilton Through OLG” Great Canadian Entertainment, July 5, 2023
