Posted date: Friday, November 6, 2020. Home; Food & Beverage; Gaming; Current Positions. In May 2017 Gateway Casinos took over 9 properties in Southwest and North Ontario. In March 2018, Gateway then announced it had also been selected by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as the service provider for the Central Gaming Bundle. This includes OLG Slots at Georgian Downs, Casino Rama Resort and a planned new build in Wasaga.
THUNDER BAY — Ontario's casino industry is anxious to reopen after being shut down for nearly four months because of COVID-19.
The province has not announced a date, but operators hope to get the green light when the government moves to Stage 3 of its reopening plan, possibly later this month.
Although the government has not specified what will be included in Stage 3, its general framework released in April indicated Stage 3 would mean opening all workplaces 'responsibly' and further relaxing restrictions on public gatherings.
The framework also suggested that mass gatherings such as concerts and spectator sports events would remain prohibited indefinitely.
Rob Mitchell, spokesperson for Gateway Casinos which operates the casino in Thunder Bay and numerous other Ontario communities, says 'We're still waiting to hear from the provincial government whether we will be a part of Stage 3. We expect we will.'
In an interview with tbnewswatch.com, Mitchell said 'We're prepared. We've worked very hard to get our facilities ready for reopening in terms of personal protective equipment, sanitation stations and that kind of thing.'
Mitchell said a detailed plan has been submitted to the province regarding the hygienic measures that would be put in place to protect casino patrons and employees.
Beyond that, he said, the reopening of casinos is beyond the industry's control.
'Any decision to reopen will be determined by public health officials in cooperation with the government, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.'
Last month, an industry group – the Canadian Gaming Association – presented its strategy for reopening to the legislature's Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
Mitchell said the CGA is waiting for feedback from the province.
When asked to speculate about the number of people who might be allowed in casinos at any given time, he said that's in the government's hands.
However, it's been reported that the industry has proposed a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy and the elimination of many playing spots to ensure physical distancing.
In the meantime, Gateway has reached reached return-to-operations agreements covering hundreds of union members at some of the company's properties in Ontario and B.C.
The company and Unifor said Tuesday the agreement includes an extension of benefits, improves job security, and gives union members the option to choose a retroactive paid leave, partially funded by the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
They said it also contains a number of items to help the company return to operations more quickly and efficiently, once government approval is obtained.
Unifor national president Jerry Dias called the agreement 'an important step in the right direction towards providing our members with certainty in these uncertain times.'
More than 140 Gateway Casino workers in Thunder Bay are represented by the Steelworkers union.
A union representative told Tbnewswatch an announcement is pending about a similar deal it has struck for its members at Gateway properties in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.
Jason Lacko said that, with casino reopening dates still uncertain, having an agreement in place is important because 'they know the staff will be there. That's probably the biggest hurdle.'
Lacko added 'We don't know where people decide to go in four or five or six months, or however long it takes. People start going somewhere else. At least knowing the staff will be retained is probably worth more than anything.'
Mitchell said he believes most of the laid-off staff have had access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program.
- Rigorous health & safety procedures
- New reservation and virtual queue system to promote safe distancing
October 6, 2020 – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) is pleased to announce that it will re-open select properties in Ontario as part of the province's Stage 3 guidelines. Beginning on Thursday, October 8, locations in Woodstock, Clinton and Hanover will re-open and all other Gateway locations – except for Casino Rama Resort – will re-open on Saturday, October 10. Under this framework, all properties will be restricted to the government mandated maximum of 50 guests, and will only include slot machines. Table games will not be operational and non-gaming amenities will be very limited.
At opening and in the coming days, we will be operating with a reservation and invitation system for our customers only. Due to the 50-customer capacity restrictions, properties will be open to invited My Club Rewards members only. Invited members will be notified by email with details on how to make reservations.
'We are excited to be able to re-open our Ontario properties and welcome back some of our team members and customers. The health and well-being of our employees and guests is our top priority,' said Tony Santo, CEO at Gateway Casinos. 'We look forward to fully re-opening and welcoming more of our guests back in the future as capacities are increased and restrictions are lifted.'
The province has not announced a date, but operators hope to get the green light when the government moves to Stage 3 of its reopening plan, possibly later this month.
Although the government has not specified what will be included in Stage 3, its general framework released in April indicated Stage 3 would mean opening all workplaces 'responsibly' and further relaxing restrictions on public gatherings.
The framework also suggested that mass gatherings such as concerts and spectator sports events would remain prohibited indefinitely.
Rob Mitchell, spokesperson for Gateway Casinos which operates the casino in Thunder Bay and numerous other Ontario communities, says 'We're still waiting to hear from the provincial government whether we will be a part of Stage 3. We expect we will.'
In an interview with tbnewswatch.com, Mitchell said 'We're prepared. We've worked very hard to get our facilities ready for reopening in terms of personal protective equipment, sanitation stations and that kind of thing.'
Mitchell said a detailed plan has been submitted to the province regarding the hygienic measures that would be put in place to protect casino patrons and employees.
Beyond that, he said, the reopening of casinos is beyond the industry's control.
'Any decision to reopen will be determined by public health officials in cooperation with the government, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.'
Last month, an industry group – the Canadian Gaming Association – presented its strategy for reopening to the legislature's Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.
Mitchell said the CGA is waiting for feedback from the province.
When asked to speculate about the number of people who might be allowed in casinos at any given time, he said that's in the government's hands.
However, it's been reported that the industry has proposed a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy and the elimination of many playing spots to ensure physical distancing.
In the meantime, Gateway has reached reached return-to-operations agreements covering hundreds of union members at some of the company's properties in Ontario and B.C.
The company and Unifor said Tuesday the agreement includes an extension of benefits, improves job security, and gives union members the option to choose a retroactive paid leave, partially funded by the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
They said it also contains a number of items to help the company return to operations more quickly and efficiently, once government approval is obtained.
Unifor national president Jerry Dias called the agreement 'an important step in the right direction towards providing our members with certainty in these uncertain times.'
More than 140 Gateway Casino workers in Thunder Bay are represented by the Steelworkers union.
A union representative told Tbnewswatch an announcement is pending about a similar deal it has struck for its members at Gateway properties in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.
Jason Lacko said that, with casino reopening dates still uncertain, having an agreement in place is important because 'they know the staff will be there. That's probably the biggest hurdle.'
Lacko added 'We don't know where people decide to go in four or five or six months, or however long it takes. People start going somewhere else. At least knowing the staff will be retained is probably worth more than anything.'
Mitchell said he believes most of the laid-off staff have had access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program.
- Rigorous health & safety procedures
- New reservation and virtual queue system to promote safe distancing
October 6, 2020 – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway) is pleased to announce that it will re-open select properties in Ontario as part of the province's Stage 3 guidelines. Beginning on Thursday, October 8, locations in Woodstock, Clinton and Hanover will re-open and all other Gateway locations – except for Casino Rama Resort – will re-open on Saturday, October 10. Under this framework, all properties will be restricted to the government mandated maximum of 50 guests, and will only include slot machines. Table games will not be operational and non-gaming amenities will be very limited.
At opening and in the coming days, we will be operating with a reservation and invitation system for our customers only. Due to the 50-customer capacity restrictions, properties will be open to invited My Club Rewards members only. Invited members will be notified by email with details on how to make reservations.
'We are excited to be able to re-open our Ontario properties and welcome back some of our team members and customers. The health and well-being of our employees and guests is our top priority,' said Tony Santo, CEO at Gateway Casinos. 'We look forward to fully re-opening and welcoming more of our guests back in the future as capacities are increased and restrictions are lifted.'
Maintaining a clean environment is a year-round priority and it is regular practice to clean all hard surfaces, such as door handles and tables. Under the current environment, Gateway is being hyper-vigilant in our cleaning protocols throughout our properties to prevent the spread of transmittable illnesses, including COVID-19.
Gateway has implemented a new reservation and virtual queue system that will allow guests to book their play time online, check-in upon arrival and safely wait in their vehicles until we are ready for their entry. 'This system will allow our staff to properly prepare the gaming floor for our guests, and ensure there is no congestion at the entrance as they wait to enter,' said Santo. 'Things may look and feel a little different around the property, but we remain committed to making your visit enjoyable.'
For more information on the Company's health and safety protocols, click here.
| Property | Re-Opening Date | Hours of Operation |
| Playtime Hanover | October 8 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Woodstock | October 8 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Clinton | October 8 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Cascades Casino Chatham | October 8 | 10:00am – 2:00am |
| Starlight Point Edward | October 10 | 10:00am – 2:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Sarnia | October 10 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Gateway Casinos London | October 10 | 8:00am – Midnight |
| Gateway Casinos Sudbury | October 10 | 10:00am – 2:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Sault Ste Marie | October 10 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay | October 10 | 9:00am – 1:00am |
| Gateway Casinos Innisfil | October 10 | 10:00am – 2:00am |
| Casino Rama Resort | CLOSED |
For re-opening information including details on all amenities and opening hours, please visit the individual property website or follow them on social media.
Media Contact:
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment:
Rob Mitchell
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
226-235-6548
Gateway Casino Woodstock Jobs Ontario
About Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited
Gateway Casino Woodstock Jobs Ga
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited ('Gateway') is one of the largest and most diversified gaming and entertainment companies in Canada with 26 gaming properties in British Columbia and Ontario and two additional properties in Edmonton, Alberta. Across its entire portfolio, Gateway currently employs over 8,000 people and features approximately 421 table games (including 48 poker tables), 14,162 slots, 82 food and beverage outlets and 561 hotel rooms. A multi-pronged growth strategy has seen Gateway diversify and expand its product offering, including developing proprietary casino and restaurant brands, dramatically improving the gaming customer experience while attracting new customers. Some of Gateway's proprietary brands include Match Eatery & Public House, Atlas Steak + Fish and the new Halley's Club. In 2017, Gateway celebrated 25 years in the business ofgaming and entertainment in Canada. Additional information is available at www.gatewaycasinos.com.* All figures as at February 13, 2020
