A proposed C$1-billion casino resort in Sudbury faces a conflict with Ontario’s existing gaming contract. Country Pine Casino and Resort is being promoted as a private hotel, entertainment and gaming project. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation says Gateway Casinos holds exclusive operating rights in the Sudbury gaming zone.

The proposal remains preliminary. Its backers have not secured municipal, provincial or gaming approvals.

The central issue is whether Ontario will allow a new casino in a gaming zone where Gateway holds operating rights through 2037.

Large project, major regulatory hurdle

The project could include an 18-storey hotel, about 2,000 slot machines, 50 to 100 table games and an 8,000-seat concert hall and theatre. Its proponents have suggested a possible opening in 2030 or 2031.

The proposed development would be located near The Kingsway and Silver Hills Drive. Its promoters describe it as privately financed and say they are seeking additional investors.

Local reporting has identified Country Pine Casino Ltd. as an Ontario company registered in November 2022. The casino company does not own the land. The property would also require planning approvals before construction could begin.

Gateway’s contract covers the Sudbury zone

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation signed a 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement with Gateway on May 30, 2017. The North Gaming Bundle includes the former Sudbury Downs site, along with casino assets in Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation told Casino.org that only one casino can operate in the Sudbury gaming zone. Gateway currently operates Gateway Casinos Sudbury on the corporation’s behalf and holds exclusive rights under the North Gaming Bundle.

The agreement’s initial 20-year term runs to 2037. That contract will be central to any decision about whether a second casino could proceed, operate under a different gaming arrangement or replace the current operator through a future provincial process.

Gateway is also planning a Sudbury relocation

The Country Pine proposal is separate from Gateway’s plan to relocate its Sudbury casino to a parcel at 2550 Kingsway. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation said Gateway is working with the City of Greater Sudbury on the relocation and is not considering another site.

Country Pine would not be entering an empty market. It would be seeking approval while Gateway remains tied to the gaming zone and advances its own site plans.

Municipal approval would come first

The proposed site is reported to have restrictive zoning. A casino, hotel and large entertainment venue would require a zoning change if the current designation does not permit those uses.

The City of Greater Sudbury says a rezoning application normally involves planning review, public notice, a public hearing and a decision by city council. An official plan amendment could also be required if the proposal does not conform to the city’s planning framework.

  • Municipal planning and zoning approval would be required.
  • The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation would have to authorize the operating model through its gaming procurement system.
  • The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario would have to register the operator and gaming suppliers.
  • Building, site, traffic, environmental and other approvals would also be needed.

A test for Ontario’s casino model

The proposal highlights a tension between Ontario’s investment policy and its contract-based gaming system. A new resort could bring construction, tourism, entertainment and private capital. The existing model gives the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and its contracted service providers control over defined gaming zones.

For Sudbury, the immediate question is not whether the concept is large enough. It is whether Ontario will permit a new private casino inside a zone where Gateway already holds operating rights through 2037.

Until the proponents file formal municipal and gaming applications, the 2030 or 2031 opening target remains a projection. It is not an approved development schedule.