The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has selected Caesars Entertainment to continue as Windsor Casino’s service provider, concluding OLG’s province-wide land-based gaming modernization initiative.
Caesars and its predecessor companies have operated Windsor Casino since the opening of the venue in 1994, when it became the province’s first ever casino.
The new 20-year operating agreement follows a competitive procurement process led by the OLG, and will take effect in early 2026.
“At a time when geopolitical tensions are threatening to disrupt our economy, this new agreement between OLG and Caesars brings stability and peace of mind for thousands of local workers in Windsor,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming in Ontario. “Given its strong track record, intimate knowledge of the sector, and long-standing work in the community, our government is confident that Caesars will continue to serve Windsor and the surrounding area well for many years to come.”
As part of the agreement, OLG has stipulated that Caesars must retain any current casino employees for at least 18 months. The casino currently employs approximately 1,800 people, making it one of the largest employers in the Windsor-Essex region.
“The Windsor casino was the first of its kind in Ontario when it opened more than 30 years ago – and it has been a key fixture of the local economy ever since,” said OLG CEO Duncan Hannay. “With more than 100,000 square feet of gaming space, two hotel towers and an entertainment centre, it remains one of the region’s biggest tourist draws and provides significant benefits to the community.
“We’re excited to continue to work with Caesars Entertainment Windsor Limited, an iconic global brand in gaming entertainment, to build on the success of the Windsor casino and help ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Windsor gaming market.”
Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, added: “We are thrilled to be selected as the service provider for the Windsor Casino by the OLG. Caesars has a long history of managing Windsor and looks forward to continuing to deliver exceptional guest service and experiences at the property.”
The agreement concludes OLG’s province-wide modernization initiative, which began in 2012 and has seen OLG transfer day-to-day operations of casinos to private sector service providers who are investing in Ontario communities.
Since the start of OLG’s modernization initiative, private service providers of Ontario casinos have invested more than $2.5 billion in communities across the province.
“Caesars Windsor and the Caesars Brand is a pillar of our community in Windsor and the surrounding region, contributing to a strong and robust economy and providing world-class gaming, entertainment, and hospitality experiences for residents and visitors,” said Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor.
“The organisation is also a strong partner for the City of Windsor, with annual funding supporting vital infrastructure projects and upgrades, road improvements, park enhancements, new playground equipment, recreational facilities, economic development initiatives, and more, while also providing jobs that have a direct impact on the livelihood of many residents and their families. Caesars Windsor lends vibrancy to our downtown core and means so much to this community.”
Since 2018, Caesars Windsor has contributed over CA$53 million to the local community through OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement.
Shares in Caesars Entertainment Inc (NASDAQ:CZR) closed 7.31 per cent higher at $30.08 per share in New York Monday.