Despite being operational for more than one month, Cascades Casino North Bay is already exceeding expectations in the region. According to the management of the gaming venue, the new property has received some major backing from customers, who seem to be enjoying its premium amenities. This week, the casino was visited by OLG officials and other delegates for its grand opening.
The gaming facility Pinewood Park Drive had its soft opening on March 9, 2022, and since then its slot machines have been at full capacity. The property is operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment and was originally planned to open at the beginning of 2020, but due to the emergence of the unprecedented situation, it was delayed to the start of this year.
Exceeding Initial Expectations
Spokesperson for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment, Rob Mitchell has shared this week that visitation at the North Bay casino has exceeded the company’s wildest dreams. He said that the gaming property is attracting people from all over the province and that there is a great curiosity factor when a new casino launches. He adds that the property is starting to see some regulars as well.
While at the casino, OLG officials presented a cheque worth CA$111,000, which is North Bay’s share of the revenue generated by the amenity between March 9 and March 31, 2022. Through the revenue sharing agreement, the Crown corporation will provide a quarterly payment to the city for hosting the casino property in the area, and the money will be invested in the local economy.
North Bay Mayor Al McDonald has commented that the city anticipates receiving between CA$1 million and CA$2 million each and every year. He explained that the city plans on setting the gaming revenue into a reserve and waiting for the next council. Then, they will discuss a policy on how it will be best to invest the money into the city in the future.
Sudbury’s Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc and KED developer Dario Zulich were also among the guests of the casino this week. The two have been major advocates of having such a casino in Greater Sudbury. Mr. Leduc said that with the gathered information from North Bay, he is going to tell other Sudbury councillors what the city is missing out on.
Raising Awareness
Due to the opening of the casino, and the increase in gambling options, the City of North Bay has launched a new gambling awareness campaign named ‘Think You’ll Win?’ This program is the fruit of collaboration between the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing. It will help educate locals on the potential risks that can occur from gambling activities.
Update on Kenora Plans
Last month, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment has provided an update on its CA$21 million casino project at Kenora, Ontario. In its statement, the corporation informed that it is currently focused on recovering its business at its existing properties. And as of right now, it has no concrete plans on when it will start the development of the gaming amenity on Ninth Street North in Kenora.
Source: Taschner, Eric “North Bay’s new casino already exceeding expectations”, CTV News, April 22, 2022
