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The modernization of gaming in Ontario is moving forward and it has an impact on local casino plans too.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming announced a Canadian company has been awarded the East Bundle, involving OLG Casino Thousand Islands, OLG Slots at Kawartha Downs and the opportunity for a new facility in Belleville or Quinte West.

Spokesperson Tony Bitonti says they wanted to get this 20 year agreement done right and they’ll be using it as the model for the remaining bundles, including the northern bundle, of which North Bay is involved.

“What we’ve learned from the process of this East procurement, we’re applying that knowledge to the other gaming bundles, which includes the Northern Gaming Bundle.”

He goes on to say the request for proposal, which is the final phase in choosing the operator, will be issued in the coming months. Bitonti says the process is very competitive and they’ll be issuing that RFP for three to five proponents for the northern bundle.

OLG previously announced the maximum number of live gaming table positions in North Bay would be 120 with a maximum of 300 slot machines.