Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has announced the passing of its CEO and Director Tony Santo at the age of 61.
Santo joined Gateway Casinos as President and CEO in October 2013 before being named a Director in July 2017.
He announced his desire to retire at the end of 2019 but ended up indefinitely postponing it to help Gateway Casinos navigate the difficulties of the pandemic.
The University of Nevada graduate also previously served as President & CEO of Santo Gaming, as well as President of Bally’s Grand, President for Flamingo Reno Casino, and Senior Vice President of Caesars Holdings.
Following news of Santo’s untimely passing, Tolek Strukoff, Gateway’s President, paid tribute to the “iconic” leader.
Strukoff said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Santo. Tony joined Gateway as our President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2013 and became a Director in July 2017. His mission was to establish Gateway as Canada’s premier entertainment and gaming company.
“You could often find Tony visiting sites and staff from dawn to dusk connecting about their work, families, and lives. Tony was an iconic leader in the US and Canada and grew Gateway from a small regional gaming company to one of the largest gaming companies in Canada.
“However, Tony would say himself he didn’t do it – we did it together.”
Strukoff continued: “Tony was an outstanding leader, colleague and friend, and he will be greatly missed. On behalf of all of Gateway’s employees, I extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Santo family.”
