Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Expands in Ontario With Addition of 289-Room Casino Rama Resort
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited ("Gateway") has signed a
23-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA) with the Ontario
Lottery and Gaming Corporation ("OLG"). Gateway has purchased the assets
of the Central Gaming Bundle and entered into leases for Casino Rama
Resort on Chippewas of Rama First Nation's Lands and OLG Slots at
Georgian Downs in Innisfil. Gateway will take over the day-to-day
operations of these sites effective today. The expansion into
central Ontario represents the next exciting chapter in Gateway's
successful growth strategy and also allows for the construction of a
planned new casino in the Wasaga Beach/Collingwood area.
"I am very proud to invite our colleagues at Casino Rama Resort and
OLG Slots at Georgian Downs to officially join the Gateway team today.
We thank the OLG for their support and hard work throughout the
transition process and we look forward to continuing our long-term
partnership with them," said Tony Santo, Gateway's Chief Executive
Officer.
Through Gateway's growth strategy that is focused on dramatically
improving customer experiences, Gateway has already begun redeveloping
and investing in new properties across Ontario. In Point Edward, $26
Million is being invested to transform the property into Starlight
Casino Point Edward featuring the Buffet and Ontario's first Match
Eatery & Public House, which opened for business to a full house
on July 5th with a ribbon-cutting that also offered the opportunity to
meet retired NHL stars Dino Ciccarelli and Wendel Clark. Last week
Gateway broke ground on its new $36 Million Cascades Casino
in Chatham which will create up to 200 new jobs and will feature the
Buffet and Match Eatery & Public House as well.
"Gateway is reinvesting in local communities and creating thousands
of new jobs by introducing our signature gaming and restaurant brands
throughout Western Canada and Ontario. The acquisition of the Central
Gaming Bundle is the next milestone in Gateway's growth strategy and
significantly enhances our customer offerings in Ontario with the
addition of a casino resort property that can be leveraged throughout
our Ontario portfolio," Gabriel de Alba, Gateway's Chairman.
Casino Rama Resort and OLG Slots at Georgian Downs fit well into the Gateway portfolio and will contribute to the Company's successful growth strategy enhancing the properties and offering customers a wide range of entertainment, dining and gaming experiences. With strong brand equity and awareness in the Ontario market, Casino Rama Resort is a large-scale resort property featuring a 5000-seat entertainment centre, a 289-room hotel, 8 restaurant and dining options, VIP gaming and a large, dynamic gaming floor. Through Gateway's loyalty program, My Club Rewards, Gateway customers across Ontario will have the opportunity to also enjoy the amenities of Casino Rama Resort. OLG Slots at Georgian Downs is a similarly well-known and popular venue featuring the latest slots and casual dining.
Gateway was previously awarded the Southwest and Northern Gaming Bundles in May 2017. In Ontario, Gateway will now operate 11 properties with 4150 employees. Through the awarding of the Bundles in Ontario, Gateway will also undertake three planned new builds in North Bay and Kenora in the North Gaming Bundle and Wasaga Beach/Collingwood area in the Central Bundle.
A commitment to responsible gambling is integral to how Gateway operates. All Gateway properties in British Columbia and Ontario hold RG Check accreditation. Together with OLG and other government partners, Gateway will continue to implement responsible gambling initiatives at all properties across Canada.