The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is seeking bidders to operate one of the province’s largest employers, Casino Rama. Penn National Gaming has run the casino since April 2001. Its contract expires July 31, 2011.

According to the Barrie Examiner, this is the first time in a decade that OLG has issued a request for a resort casino operator. Casino Rama Media Relations Manager Jenna Hunter said the situation is “no reflection” on Penn National’s operations.

“It’s a very routine process when dealing with contracts of this size and when you’re looking to provide value to the Ontario taxpayer,” she said. Hunter said there would be no effect on day-to-day business operations or staffing levels during the pre-qualification process.

Proposals are expected to be under consideration by the spring or summer of 2011.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.