Wasaga Beach is ready to issue a building permit for the upcoming Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach and remain on track with its part of the partnership, but Gateway Casinos & Entertainment might need some time to put things into perspective. As of now, the leading casino operator still ponders the groundbreaking date for this casino project built from scratch. New casino complexes currently under construction have a higher priority.
Gateway Casinos plays a central part in Ontario’s modernization process launched by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The casino operator received the opportunity to explore Wasaga Beach with the Central Gaming Bundle purchase. Along with the entirely new project, the bundle also gave Gateway Casinos the right to oversee day-to-day operation at OLG Slots at Georgian Downs and Casino Rama.
North Bay and Kenora Casinos a Priority
While the latter two locations have already witnessed some changes, such as a rebranding to Gateway Casinos Georgian Downs and layoffs of both unionized and non-unionized workers at Casino Rama, the Wasaga Beach project develops at a slower pace. Last fall saw the casino operator pinpoint this as the area it wanted to develop in, but for the time being it has not unveiled a groundbreaking date.
Now it is time for the town to dedicate efforts to the construction timeline in collaboration with the major casino operator. Work on it would make it clear just how long every phase is projected to take. However, the past few months have been devoted to other projects under construction or renovation, to the likes of Cascades Casino North Bay, Starlight Casino London, and more.
Moreover, the Gateway Casinos greenlighted operation at Cascades Casino Chatham this summer. It becomes clear that projects scheduled to welcome their first customers in 2020 are a priority. Rob Mitchell, Gateway’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs, said that managing all projects in the most appropriate way and queueing some is the way to go. Wasaga Beach Mayor Nina Bifolchi said that everything is arranged and all Gateway Casinos has to do is send officials to collect the building permit.
Gateway Casinos Evaluates Casino’s Importance
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation issued its approval of Cascades Casino Wasaga Beach back in July when the business plan was first introduced. It was a small but mandatory step in the right direction. Taking into account the projects currently on Gateway Casinos’ plate, the casino complex in the tourists’ hotspot could see a groundbreaking ceremony in the early spring of 2020, potentially pushing off the opening ceremony to 2021.
Mr. Mitchell made it clear that the casino operator wants to breathe life into Hiawatha Horse Park located in Sarnia. The racetrack would soon see gaming operation return, powered by Gateway Casinos and with a fresh new look. The slots venue would feature the Gateway Casinos brand similar to venues previously known as OLG Slots.
The North Gaming Bundle purchase brought OLG Slots at Western Fair District, OLG Slots at Clinton Raceway, OLG Slots at Dresden Raceway, OLG Slots at Hanover Raceway, OLG Slots at Woodstock Raceway, OLG Casino Point Edward, as well as OLG Casino Thunder Bay, OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie, and OLG Slots at Sudbury Downs. It also allowed Gateway Casinos the chance to build entirely new complexes in North Bay and Kenora. Playtime Casino Kenora will cost some CA$21 million.
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Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.