Canadian company Gateway Casinos and Entertainment will invest CA$36m in a brand new casino facility in Chatham, Ontario. Trading under the banner of Cascades Casino Chatham, it will open in mid-2019, replacing the existing Dresden slots facility and generating up to 200 jobs in the area. Gateway CEO Tony Santo and Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope unveiled plans for the new gambling venue at a presentation this week.
The Cascades-branded location marks the first new-build Gateway gambling venue in Ontario, where the operator has already taken over a number of former Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) facilities. With 50,000 sq ft to play with, it is envisaged that the site will operate as an entertainment hub as opposed to a standalone casino. The casino will host 333 slots and 10 table games, alongside dining options and a sports bar.
“I can’t say enough about the spirit of co-operation and partnership demonstrated by Mayor Randy Hope, Council and staff in helping us move forward with our first new build in Ontario,” said CEO Santo. “The proposed $36 million investment in Chatham-Kent would bring not only up to 200 new jobs to the area when we open, but millions in economic spin-offs throughout construction. We look forward to breaking ground on this state of-the-art entertainment destination.”
Mayor Hope added:“I’m very pleased with the Gateway announcement and the expected investment in Chatham-Kent. The partnership between the municipality, Gateway and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has been one which has benefitted all communities in Chatham-Kent. We have been working with Gateway for some time and have found the company to be absolutely first-rate. We couldn’t have a better partner.”
