Pickering Casino, which launched to much excitement in 2021, has affected the earnings intended for Scugog Island First Nation.
The City of Pickering is celebrating nearly $3.8 million in hosting revenue from Pickering Casino & Resort for the third quarter, but Scugog Island First Nation isn’t sharing in that joy. They continue to voice their “deep concern and frustration” regarding what they see as “violations” of legally binding revenue-sharing agreements by the province.
“The revenue generated by Pickering and i Gaming for the Province of Ontario comes at the direct expense of MSIFN and economic reconciliation,” said Chief Kelly La Rocca. “Gaming revenue enables MSIFN to develop infrastructure, provide essential public services, and support the local economy. Rather than promoting Indigenous self-governance and reconciliation, the government has opted to empower national and international corporations to profit at the expense of public good.”
Since its opening in July 2021, despite opposition from the First Nation and breaching an agreement with MSIFN and Queen’s Park, Pickering has generated nearly $69 million in casino revenue for local projects.
La Rocca pointed out that Ontario proceeded with building the Pickering Casino and launching i Gaming – “without public backing or consideration of its impact” on the First Nation.
A Canada Pulse Insights poll commissioned by MSIFN revealed that half of those surveyed feel Durham Region already has too many casinos. Almost one in five respondents (19 percent) reported they stopped visiting the Great Blue Heron Casino after Pickering opened – a number that rises to 31 percent among residents of Scugog.
The ongoing legal battles between MSIFN and the provincial government have put significant pressure on both the First Nation and Ontario taxpayers alike, added La Rocca. “The legal argument is clear. The unfairness is clear. Public opinion is clear.”
“Yet the province continues to fight us. We are seeking fairness, not conflict – but we won’t back down.”
This week, Durham Region’s three casino hosts welcomed over $5.5 million as Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) made its second-quarter payouts to host communities.
The City of Pickering, home to Pickering Casino Resort – by far the largest casino in the area – received the biggest payout for July 1 through September 30 period and has earned over $9.2 million this year.
The Town of Ajax, where Ajax Casino (and a quarter-horse racetrack) is located, received just over $1 million for Q3. So far this fiscal year, Ajax has gotten $2,147,674.
Scugog Island First Nation hosts Great Blue Heron Casino and received $682,605 this time around. The First Nation’s earnings so far this fiscal year total $1,340,365.
Payouts to host communities are determined by a formula outlined in the Municipality Contribution Agreement that’s consistently applied across all land-based casino sites in Ontario using a graduated scale based on gaming revenue at each site.
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