Vancouver-based Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited has been named as the service provider for the North and Southwest Gaming Bundles by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Under the 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement, in spring 2017 Gateway will oversee day-to-day operations of OLG Casino Thunder Bay, OLG Casino Sault Ste. Marie and OLG Slots at Sudbury Downs, plus options to build new casinos in North Bay and Kenora.
OLG President Stephen Rigby said, “The investments Gateway will make in the casinos will help ensure the best possible gaming experience for customers, while OLG continues to deliver on its commitment to Ontarians.”
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald said the city already has approved rezoning applications that would allow a new gaming facility to be built. He said the casino would create up to 200 well-paying jobs. Gateway will be responsible for taking out permits, paying development fees and following building codes regarding the new casino, McDonald said.
Kenora Mayor Dave Canfield said a few years ago the city passed a resolution supporting a casino, despite concerns about the social problems associated with gambling. “I’m concerned about that, too, but Gateway is going to build a casino somewhere around here. You either get on the bus or it passes you by,” Canfield said. He added demand for a local casino would be strong, since people travel to Winnipeg to gamble.
