City of Windsor shows off improvements brought by Caesars revenue sharing

The City of Windsor showed off some of what revenue payouts from Caesars Casino bring to the community Wednesday. 

The city receives an annual share of gaming revenue from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation through the casino. In 2024-25, the payout was about $9.5 million and in 2023-2024, it was nearly $9.9 million. 

Documents show the city had budgeted to receive $553,053 more in 2024-25 but the payout was lower "as a result of Caesars Windsor's post pandemic recovery."

A cheque ceremony to celebrate the multimillion dollar contribution was held Wednesday morning at Wilson Park, next to Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex. 

The funds are helping to support upgrades like pickleball courts, a new splash pad, and improvements to the complex.

Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who was in attendance, said this is a moment to reflect on the "tremendous support" OLG has provided to the city for more than three decades.

"The generous annual contributions have and continue to support everything from rural improvements, infrastructure upgrades, park enhancements, new playground equipment, recreation facilities, economic development initiatives, and helping us keep the municipal tax levy increases low," Agostino said. 

'About improving life for people': OLG relations manager

He said that "momentum" of investment will carry into the 2025 fiscal year.

Agostino added that future plans include interior upgrades to the west-end recreation centre itself, including a new gymnasium, modernized change rooms, and multi-purpose program spaces with construction underway.

OLG senior municipal relations manager Kathleen Devine, who presented the cheque, said every municipality that hosts a casino signs a municipality contribution agreement with the OLG. 

"This year, because of this park and all the great things and enhancements, the city's team decided to come out here and showcase this Wilson Park," Devine says. 

She said this money is from the previous fiscal year and in previous years has gone to aid in road work, potholes, flood preparations, parks and recreational activities.

"It's all about improving life for people in the community, right in and around the City of Windsor," she said.