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Ten Years of Gaming Excitement at the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino On January 31, 1997 the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino first opened its doors to the public. Now ten years and 9.5 million visitors later, it has developed into one of the premier casino destinations in all of Ontario. The casino started as a vision of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Their goal was to provide an economic development plan to foster opportunity and advancement for the First Nation people, which turned into a reality through an agreement with Casinos Austria International and its local partners, the Steiner Group and Sonco Gaming Inc, who developed and operates the casino on their behalf. “We are proud of the success we share with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. This casino has become not only one of the most successful casinos within Ontario but also stands out as an important and valued contributor amongst our 75 worldwide locations. It is a true testament to everyone who has worked so hard to ensure its success – Paul Herzfeld, Chief Executive Officer - Casinos Austria International When the casino first opened its doors in 1997 the gaming opportunities consisted of only 40 table games with $10 betting limits and a 650-seat bingo hall, both operating with restricted hours. Through a subsequent agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the casino was beautifully remodelled throughout 1999, and in May of 2000 added 450 slot machines and discontinued its bingo operation. Since then the casino has continued to grow, adding more variety and games to the facility. These changes have taken the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, during its 10-year history, from only 245 employees into one of the largest employers in Durham Region. Currently the casino employs over 1150 staff including 85 from the First Nation. Today the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino offers customers 60 table games with $100 maximum betting limits and 535 slot machines. “The First Nation is extremely proud of the accomplishments and the overwhelming success of our casino. The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino has allowed us to be self-sufficient and has enabled us to share and provide support to the surrounding community.” Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Chief Tracy Gauthier. "The partnership between OLG, an agency of the Provincial Government, Mississaugas of Scugog First Nation and Casinos Austria International has been not only a commercial success for all stakeholders but a demonstration of the achievements that are possible through collaborative relationships. Congratulations to Great Blue Heron on 10 years of success!" says Duncan Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Since the start of this Aboriginal business, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation have donated over $3 million to Scugog Township, various charities and non-profit organizations. In 2006 the Mississaugas contributed $400,000 to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation. Township of Scugog Mayor Marilyn Pearce stated "over the past 10 years the Township of Scugog has benefited hugely from the Casino operation, and we look forward to many more years of successful business for them and a continuance of the great working relationship we have with this company”. The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Casinos Austria International have also made numerous donations to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation, through various sponsorships programs including a total of $650,000 raised from the annual Great Blue Heron Casino Charity Golf Classic. Over the years, the continued support has made it possible for the hospital to fund new programs and purchase vital new equipment to better serve the community. “It is a privilege and honour to be associated with an organization who has accomplished so much in such a short period of time and to know that our efforts have had such a positive economic and social influence on the communities and families we serve. Our relationship with both the First Nation and the OLG are testimonial to the things private and public sectors can accomplish given the opportunity - Arnold Block, Chief Executive Officer Great Blue Heron Gaming Company To celebrate this milestone, the Great Blue Heron Charity Casino will be giving away a commemorative gift to all patrons on January 31st beginning at 9:00AM while supplies last. The casino will also be holding a ten-day promotion, from January 31st to February 9th, giving away a different gift each day. The Great Blue Heron Charity Casino is located on reserve lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation just East of Port Perry. It is less than one hour Northeast of Metropolitan Toronto, and an easy 30-40 minute drive from Markham, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Peterborough and Lindsay. Know your limit, play within it! THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505 |
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