One of Canada’s gaming leaders Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has most recently informed that with the beginning of 2022, it has appointed a brand-new Chief Financial Officer. Starting from January 1, 2022, the position is now assumed by Queenie Wong, who is tasked with helping the company advance its growth and development strategies.
The gaming conglomerate is one of the leaders of the Canadian gaming industry with a total of 26 land-based casino properties across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. At its 28 properties, the company offers a total of 12,971 slot machines, as well as 365 table games, 902 bingo seats, and 79 food and drinks venues, while providing work to around 6,500 individuals.
Deserved Promotion
Ms. Wong is quite the familiar face at the gaming company, as she has been a part of it since 2011. Over the years, she has served in key finance positions, including as the company’s Chief Accounting Officer as well as Senior Vice President of Finance. During her time with the company, she has been an integral part of the company’s success by collaborating with internal finance and accounting teams.
Over, the last ten years, Ms. Wong has had a major part in several strategic growth transactions including the acquisition of Playtime Gaming, which secured the company six more gaming properties. She was also instrumental in the company’s expansion into Ontario, where the firm now operates 12 properties, and the completion of the company’s refinancing in October 2021
Tony Santo, who is the current Chief Executive Officer of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment commented on M.s Wong’s appointment by sharing a few words. According to him, her leadership has been a massive factor in facilitating the corporation’s growth across its portfolio of venues and new projects. Mr. Santo also praised her for her contribution during the company’s recovery period after the unprecedented situation.
Before arriving at the gaming conglomerate, Ms. Won has worked in the Audit and Assurance Group at PwC. Now, as the gaming leader’s newest Chief Financial Officer, she will be reporting directly to Mr. Santo. Her appointment is now subject to regulatory approvals from the company. Undoubtedly, she will do a great job as the company’s CFO.
Update on Ontario Properties
This week, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment had to close down all of its Ontario gaming properties, as the province entered Stage Two of its remodified Reopening Plan. For example, the company announced that Casino Rama will be suspending operation from January 5, 2022, to at least January 26, 2022. Rob Mitchell, the company’s spokesperson, commented that the health and safety of patrons and staff remain the number one priority.
KED Involvement
The gaming conglomerate is also set to build a CA$60 million casino property in Greater Sudbury’s Kingsway Entertainment District. However, the whole project is facing a legal challenge from the non-profit Minnow Lake Restoration Group, and that is why the company has requested a pause on the development of the KED until the issue is resolved. The corporation stated that it remains committed to the project.
Source: “Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited Appoints Queenie Wong as Chief Financial Officer”, BusinessWire, January 4, 2022
