The odds were in favour of a promising first day of operation for the newly-expanded OLG Slots facility at Georgian Downs just south of Barrie.

A ceremony Wednesday morning was attended by hundreds of OLG officials, Innisfil politicians and, of course, patrons eager to cast their eyes on the 50,000-square foot-expansion project.

“Since the opening of Slots at Georgian Downs in Nov. 2001, the facility has proved to be one of the busiest gaming floors in North America,” said Kelly McDougald, CEO of OLG.

There are now 802 slot machines on the premises. The OLG has worked in partnership with the Tow of Innisfil and the owner, Great Canadian Gaming Corp. of Vancouver.
Approximately 90 new jobs have been created with the growth, said general manager Tina MacMillan. The total payroll will grow to $12.7 million annually.

“We congratulate OLG on the successful completion of this significant expansion project,” said Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson. “We welcome the new jobs and the ongoing revenue that will continue to support municipal investment in infrastructure projects such as roads, trails and many other projects.”

OLG contributes five per cent of the annual gross proceeds to Innisfil. Since opening, the municipality has received $34 million from the slots.

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