Several municipalities around Ontario recently received some funds from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The government company recently announced that third quarter (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) payments totaling $34.1 million were distributed to 29 communities that host gaming facilities across the province.
For OLG’s fiscal year (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024), the company has so far paid out almost $118 million to these communities. OLG not only operates lottery sales, but also owns several casinos and regulates online gaming and sports betting within Ontario. OLG also operates bingo and other electronic gaming offerings at Charitable Gaming Centres, and also supports the horse racing industry in Ontario.
The payments to host communities are based on a formula that the regulator applies across all gaming sites in Ontario, using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the host site. The communities use the funds for numerous services and key funds, according to OLG.
“OLG continues to provide municipality contribution agreement payments to gaming host communities for vital programs and services that benefit all Ontarians,” Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy said. “Land-based casinos offer good, local jobs and play an important role in supporting strong, vibrant communities for families to live, work, and play.”
Since 2017, casino service providers have invested more than $2 billion in private sector capital across the province. These funds have helped develop and open seven new casinos, one planned development, and numerous casino expansions and non-gaming amenities.
“OLG is proud to share proceeds of casino gaming with local communities, contributing to economic recovery, infrastructure development, and job creation,” the corporation noted. “Payments to host communities are part of OLG’s commitment to Ontario – 100 percent of OLG’s profits are reinvested in the province.”
Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue. OLG is a crown agency that delivers entertainment experiences for residents all across the province.
Since 1975, the group has generated $59 billion to the people and province of Ontario to support key government priorities such as health care, the treatment and prevention of problem gambling, and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG’s operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers, and local charities across the province.
