Casino Revenues

Staff work to seek out additional funding opportunities to help relieve the residential tax load - the Casino is one of them! 

Since opening in July 2021, Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation (OLG) has issued non-tax gaming revenue payments, totaling $42,429,023, to the City of Pickering for hosting the facility, as part of its Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG. Pickering also shares a portion of this revenue with the Region of Durham.

People often wonder why these casino revenues can't be used to offset the property tax bill for residents. We sat down with the City's Director, Finance & Treasurer to explain. Jump to 46:47 of the video for more - watch on YouTube. 

To summarize, if the casino funds don't materialize one year for whatever reason, the City would be left with a deficit. OLG's recommendation for spending the funds is to bank them in Year A and spend in Year B - providing adequate time for strategic planning to meet the City's needs. In 2024, a significant portion of the casino revenue is going towards capital projects, to reduce the City's debt, to support community grants, and to make up the development charge shortfall from Bill 23. View page 6 of the Staff Recommended Draft 2024 Draft Capital Budget and 2025-2027 Forecast for a breakdown.