Pickering gets $16.38 million from OLG and shows where casino money goes

The City of Pickering received $16,380,715 in non-tax gaming revenue from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for 2025-26, the city said. The payment covers April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. It was marked with a cheque presentation at the Whitevale Spring Festival on May 23.

Since Pickering Casino Resort opened in July 2021, the city has received $75,977,449 under its Municipal Contribution Agreement with OLG.

Where the money has gone

Unlike many host payment announcements, Pickering's release set out how the casino revenue has been spent. The city listed five main uses.

The first is community grants for local non-profits and events, including festival programming. The second is planning, design and construction work on the City Centre.

The money has also gone to debt reduction and other steps toward long-term financial stability. It has paid for parks, recreation and facility upgrades, including community and sport infrastructure. Finally, it has supported municipal infrastructure and services such as public realm improvements, traffic and fire services.

In 2026, the city plans to spend the money on community grants, parks and recreation, and municipal facility and infrastructure projects. Other investments will follow council's budget priorities. Residents can check the details. A summary of casino-funded projects appears on page 10 of the 2026 Capital Budget. The list of community grant recipients is on page 249 of the 2026 Current Budget.

Reaction

Mayor Kevin Ashe said the payments "continue to make a meaningful difference in our community." He also pointed to the economic activity, tourism and local investment generated by Pickering Casino Resort and the surrounding Durham Live development.

Peter Bethlenfalvy, the MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge, said the partnership with OLG delivers tangible benefits for residents. Kathleen Devine, OLG's senior municipal relations manager, said every dollar of OLG profit is returned to Ontario. She encouraged people to see play at Ontario casinos as support for the province.