Canada’s largest casino operator Gateway Casinos and Entertainment announced that the $26-million reconstruction project of Point Edward Casino is going on schedule and the entire project is to be finished sometime in late spring this year, supposing that work continues to progress in that manner. Last year, Gateway announced its plans to invest millions in renovating and re-branding the Point Edward site as one of its Starlight Casinos. Only six months later, it seems that the first phase of the project is already completed.
Last year, Ontario Lottery Gaming Corp. (OLG) selected Canada’s major gambling operator Gateway to take over the assets of the Southwest Gaming Bundle that includes, Point Edward Casino, as well as five smaller gaming facilities at London’s Western Fair, Clinton, Dresden, Woodstock and Hanover. As a result, OLG has penned a 20-year agreement with Gateway, under which the latter assumed control over the day-to-day operations of the Southwest Gaming Bundle.
The move came as part of OLG’s modernization plan to entrust its gambling venues in the hands of private companies and revive the gambling industry in the province. Point Edward is touted to be Gateway’s first large redevelopment project in southwestern Ontario.
A Closer Look at the Revamp Project
The planned re-branding and renovation seems to progress smoothly. Point Edward’s casino has been temporarily renamed into Gateway Casino Point Edward. General Manager Karen Richards revealed that the large-scale revamp project is expected to be completely finalized before the beginning of the summer. Upgrades are to feature “retro-Vegas style” and the entire atmosphere will be changed. Richards added that the renovated gambling venue is to let more natural light come in as the old small windows are to be replaced. The casino official elaborated that the gambling venue is to offer unique gambling experience.
It is interesting to mention that even though the casino is currently under reconstruction, Gateway Point Edward is open to its guests. Once the revamp project is completed, the gambling venue is to feature a number of gambling options (including table games and slot machines). Apart from that, Gateway is to focus also on the non-gambling amenities in order to attract the attention of people with various interests.
Outside the casino floor, the renovated property is to offer numerous food and beverage options. Commenting on the casino’s design, Richards explained that the renovated venue is to be more family-oriented. Match Eatery is to serve the needs even of minors, as the restaurant is to have a separate entrance. Renovations at the 17-year-old gambling venue are expected to attract more visitors from across the globe and stay ahead of the competition.
