$324 million is pledged for Casino Windsor expansion

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005 | 9:15 a.m.

WINDSOR, Ontario -- The Ontario government will spend $324 million to expand Casino Windsor, raising the stakes in the city's cross-border competition with Detroit's casinos.

"Casino Windsor attracts around 6 million visitors each year and is a key driver of the local economy," Joseph Cordiano, economic development minister, said Monday. "Our government recognizes this strategic investment is crucial to safeguard jobs and keep Windsor and the surrounding region strong and competitive."

The vast majority -- 80 percent -- of patrons at Casino Windsor come from the United States. However, it has recently faced increasing competition from the Detroit gaming market.

Casino Windsor is the third-largest employer in the Windsor-Essex region with almost 4,300 workers.

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