This week is one of significant importance for Pickering Casino Resort in Southern Ontario. Just recently, Great Canadian Entertainment announced that on Monday, January 29, 2024, the gaming property will hold a grand opening ceremony for a new state-of-the-art poker room. It will offer 18 tables and it is located on the 3rd floor of the hotel with nearly 20,000 sq ft of gaming space.
Established in 1982, Great Canadian Entertainment is one of the country’s premier operators of land-based casinos. Its portfolio consists of 25 gaming destinations across Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Via its PROUD program, the corporation supports over 1,400 charitable and non-profit organizations across the country.
Commencing Work This Monday
The new poker room will open at noon and it will be up and running 24/7 while offering 16 traditional tables and two private high-stakes rooms—a perfect fit for patrons who prefer a more exclusive setting. There is also a dedicated bar and tableside delivery from The District, which is the property’s food hall. Allowing guests to enjoy an immersive gaming experience.
Michael Kim, Executive VP for the operator, shared the company is delighted to launch the new poker room as its latest addition to its first-in-class offerings. He added the corporation is raising the stakes with another exciting amenity, joining the casino, sportsbook, and The Arena. Thus, underlining the company’s dedication to providing immersive gaming and live entertainment experience.
Additionally, the operator reminds guests that Great Canadian Rewards Members can also access exclusive promotions via the program at the casino. The program is free to join and it is available to guests across the company’s 12 casino locations across Ontario, including its two newest properties, Pickering Casino Resort and Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
First Nation Unhappy with Casino
As mentioned, Pickering Casino Resort is one of Great Canadian Entertainment’s newest gambling locations in Ontario. It greenlighted its first phase of operations on July 26, 2021. Its gaming floor is equipped with over 2,400 slot machines and 100 live table games. Over a year later, the casino also debuted sports wagering via a dedicated Great Canadian Sportsbook.
However, not everyone was content with the launch of the casino. For instance, Mississaugas of Scugog Island, which owns Great Blue Heron Casino in Point Perry, made it clear that this new casino resort launch essentially breaks a previous agreement with the provincial government. This agreement was meant to put a capacity on the number of gambling hotspots in the Durham region.
The First Nation first opened the gaming hall in 1997 and ever since then, its daily work has only grown. But Chief Kelly LaRocca believes that Premier Doug Ford once more has treaded over previously inked arrangements, to achieve his political goals. In 2018, the local government gave its nod to a set of regulations allowing the Pickering casino to launch.
Source: “Great Canadian Entertainment Unveils a Winning Hand with the Grand Opening of Pickering Casino Resort’s New 18-Table Poker Room” PR Newswire, January 26, 2024
