Page 49 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Great Blue Heron Casino
In 1997, we opened the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, which
is now known as Great Blue Heron Casino. It is named after
the birds in whose migratory path it was built. It is different
from some of the other casinos in operation on other First
Nations, such as Chippewas of Rama First Nation, in that it
began operating as a charity casino, with some portion of the
revenues given away. Some institutions that benefited include
the Scugog Memorial Library, the University of Ontario Institute
of Technology, and the Port Perry Hospital.
In 2016, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation took over
the management and conduct of the casino, but our community
remains a partner. The casino is no longer a charity casino, but
revenues were shared for many years and continue to be shared
with neighbouring communities. Our community, the township
of Scugog, and the Region of Durham share 5 percent of the
revenues, and the Provincial government receives 85 percent of
the revenues. The remaining 10 percent remains with the casino
for operating costs.

Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation 47

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