The million Cascades Casino opened last week in Penticton, British Columbia. It includes 45,000 square feet with gaming, including 400 slot machines and 11 gaming tables, live entertainment and dining, including a large buffet and two restaurants that offer fine dining. It employs about 300.
The grand opening included Penticton elected officials, senior management from
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, which owns the casino, and top officials from the B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC.)
The facility features 45,000 square feet of entertainment space including a gaming floor, entertainment and culinary options to suit any taste. Visitors coming into the entrance are greeted by a Ford Mustang GT convertible, which will be won by playing at a dozen machines near the car.
Tony Santo, senior vice-president of Gateway Casinos, commented: “This new facility is something very proud of. It really enhances and embodies all that we are trying to do with gaming in creating an entertainment destination, not slots in a box which is what we had at Lakeshore.”
Jim Lightbody, chief executive officer of the BCLC, said, “The new Cascades Casino Penticton reflects BCLC’s long-held vision to provide Penticton residents and visitors with exceptional gambling and entertainment amenities.” He added, “In addition to exciting entertainment options, the casino also benefits the local community by creating new jobs and providing increased revenue for community programs.”
Santo said that the key to the facility’s success will be that a family will be able to eat and be entertained whether anyone gambles or not.
Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said he expects the casino to generate $100 million for the city over the next 40 years. He told the Penticon Western News: “This really solidifies this area as an entertainment hub. With the events center, convention center, we are in close proximity to downtown, to the motel the beach. Regardless if you are a gambler or not, when you walk in there is great options here. It creates yet another destination for Penticton that we can be excited and proud about.”
Michael Magnusson, general manager, showed reporters and other media around the facility. He said, “The goal was to create something special for every member of the family.”
The city council approved of the new casino less than 18 months ago, and it took about a year to complete construction.
With the opening of the Cascades, Gateway now owns 27 casinos in Canada, with plans to open two more in Ontario.
