Chatham is on the verge of a major change and a whole new era for the local gaming field that is scheduled to commence in the near future. Gateway Casinos Dresden saw its official last day of operation this Sunday, closing an extensive chapter of its gaming operation.
This Tuesday is about to see the official launch of the brand new Cascades Casino Chatham, which prompted the closure and staff and slots relocation. In the world of gaming, the possibilities for development never seem to end, something that could be confirmed by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment.
The casino operator is going to launch operation in the Chatham-Kent area very soon and this is a milestone that is linked to many changes. One of those is the permanent closure of Gateway Casinos Dresden, located at Dresden Raceway. The casino operator assumed control over the gaming venue in 2016.
Slots Venue Closes for Good
The Southwest Gaming Bundle purchase granted Gateway Casinos the opportunity to manage slots venues located at racetracks, as well as OLG Casino Point Edward. The slot venues part of this gaming bundle were located at Western Fair District, Clinton Raceway, Hanover Raceway, Woodstock Raceway, and Dresden Raceway.
The locations were rebranded to Gateway Casinos and were given a fresh new look. The casino operator also received the opportunity to build an entirely new casino venue in Chatham-Kent, which spelled the end for slots operation in Dresden. In order to eliminate cannibalization of the field, the slots venue had to close for business and let Cascades Casino Chatham shine.
The initial plan for action was supposed to see the slots venue welcoming players until 2020, but a change of plans was announced in March 2018. Back then, it was also announced that the new casino complex should be ready for its official opening ceremony by mid-2019. October 2018 showcased Dresden Raceway’s position on slots operation.
New Chapter Starts this Tuesday
The provincial government offered Dresden Agricultural Society the opportunity to keep the gaming hall and develop it as an integral part of the racetrack, but this proposal was declined. Instead, the society sought more cash poured into the local horse racing field, a move that was guaranteed to improve its future operation. Prior to its official closure, Gateway Casinos Dresden featured as many as 148 slot machines sprinkled across its gaming floor.
Projections expressed by North Kent Councillor Joe Faas point to a drop in the number of people making their way to Dresden Raceway. All employees of the slots location were offered a position at the new casino venue and a transfer would eliminate any layoffs. Now it is time for something new and for a well-rounded casino experience with a pinch of a family-friendly element to it.
The new casino location would see double the number of slot machines, capping it at 300 devices across the gaming floor. In addition to those, gaming tables would also be available on site. The casino venue is scheduled to welcome patrons around the clock. The soft opening would take place this Tuesday, whereas the official opening ceremony is scheduled to transform August 8.
