At the end of last week, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment revealed that table games will make their official return at its Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie. This marks the first time since the start of the unprecedented situation that patrons of the gaming hotspot will be able to enjoy live games. As of now, six tables will return to the casinoās gaming floor.
The Sault Ste. Marie gaming amenity is operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. According to previous, Ontario health protocols, the casino had to cease table games operations when reopening in 2021. This was a precaution to stop the potential spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of both guests and staff members.
Last Stage of Reopening
Last week, the gaming conglomerate issued a statement that reported that table games will make a comeback at the Sault Ste. Marie gaming venue. Robert Mitchell, director of communication and public affairs shared that six tables will now return to the casinoās gaming floor. It will be three blackjack, one roulette, and two novelty poker game tables.
Mr. Mitchell commented that the gaming leader is now in its final stages of reopening, which allows for the return of table games. He assured that the move will not require renovations or interference with customer experience. With the lift of distancing protocols, the spokesperson now said that the company is restoring the property to its pre-unprecedented situation operations.
The return of live games is also tremendous news for workers, as the gaming corporation will now recall nine employees back to work. Previously, they were laid off during the unprecedented situation. The company will also bring in several hires. Mr. Mitchell asserted that the casinoās patrons are happy to return to its premises and that business is recovering well.
Lastly, the spokesperson said that the company and the hospitality industry, in general, remain cautiously optimistic about whether the business will be back at its full capacity in the summer season. He said that the industry is recovering slowly, and it will take some time before it reaches its normal state. He added that there is still a degree of uncertainty in the sector.
Q2 Allocation Received
Every financial quarter, the City of Sault Ste. Marie receives a gaming revenue payment from the OLG for hosting the casino in the region. In January this year, the OLG issued a CA$273,611 payment to the city for Q3 of last year. Since opening in May 1999, the gaming property has generated over CA$32 million in non-tax gaming revenue for the city.
Update on Kenora Project
In March this year, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment gave an update on its CA$21 million project for a casino in Kenora, Ontario. Mr. Mitchell elaborated that the company has no current plans of starting the construction of the multi-million resort. According to him, the reason for that is that the company will concentrate on recovering business at its existing properties.
Source: Della-Mattia, Elaine āGaming tables return to Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marieā, TheDailyPress, June 24, 2022
