The proposed purchase of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation by an American equity company led to some confusion over the status of the casino in Innisfil.
Gateway Casino Innisfil is not impacted by the deal.
“We’re not affected,” said Robert Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs for Gateway.
Gateway Casinos is a separate, independent company active in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, and rents the facility at Georgian Downs racetrack in Innisfil.
The company reopened the doors at its Innisfil operation on Oct.10, as part of the province’s Stage 3 recovery. It’s too early to evaluate the success of the reopening after just a month, he said, but so far, “The response from our customers has been uniformly positive.”
Starting on Oct. 15, Gateway Casino Innisfil made the decision to remain open 24/7, with mask-wearing and COVID-19 protocols in place, including frequent cleaning and sanitation, and steps to maintain 2-metre physical distancing.
Those steps include floor decals and stanchions, and keeping some slot machines “out-of-play,” although all of the machines are illuminated to help create a more typical casino atmosphere and experience for patrons.
And although dining areas remain closed, the casino offers complimentary bottled water, a full bar service, a selection of prepared foods that include sandwiches and salads, and a limited choice of hot dishes, from breakfast sandwiches to personal-size pizzas.
Patrons are encouraged to consume their food and drink at their playing stations, and keep their masks on when not actually eating or drinking.
The television sets are on, the lights are activated, music is playing - the idea is to make the experience “as normal as we can” while maintaining safety, said Mitchell. And despite the challenging circumstances, he noted, “People are enjoying it,” and Gateway has been receiving praise from its customers.
“They are commenting on the cleanliness of our location,” Mitchell said, and complimenting staff on their efforts to create a safe environment. “People are very, very respectful. We’ve had no issues in terms of our patrons abiding by the protocols. It’s good to see this level of respect and co-operation.”
Gateway continues to work closely with the Town of Innisfil, and the OLG. “They are wonderful partners,” said Mitchell - but it is too early to evaluate the success of the reopening.
Gateway Casino Innisfil’s 26 table games remain closed, although the casino has introduced electronic table games for fans of Baccarat, Roulette and Poker. The spacious casino facility at Georgian Downs has over 1,000 slot machines, and under normal conditions is licenced for 3,342 people.
Said Mitchell, “Evaluating the success of reopening is problematic, with a 50-person hard cap on visitation.”
OLG continues to support the safe opening of casinos, where the rules allow it. "To reopen or remain open, casino service providers must comply with current provincial and municipal health guidelines and continue to work with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)," as well as local public health units, noted Tony Bitoti, OLG corporate affairs director of external communications.
Bitoti acknowledged that as a result of the current 50-person cap on attendance, "revenue generated at the present time is significantly less than pre-covid levels."
Asked about the projected purchase of Great Canadian Gaming Corp. by Apollo Global Management, he indicated that OLG sees the purchase as a positive.
Duncan Hannay, OLG President and CEO stated, "The proposed acquisition is expected to support significant investment and profitable growth of gaming operations at Great Canadian casinos in Ontario. This benefits OLG, the province, and the communities that host 11 casinos operated by Great Canadian in Ontario. We look forward to our continuing work with the Great Canadian team to realize this potential."
According to a statement issued by OLG, Apollo has indicated their intention to ensure a safe reopening of casinos in Ontario, and to maintain the headquarters of Great Canadian in Toronto, led by a Canadian management team and with Canadian Board members.
The province's commercial interests in casinos continue to be managed by OLG, and protected by contractual agreements. "These contracts remain in place and are unaffected by the proposed acquisition," noted the statement.
Great Canadian Gaming operates casinos in the GTA (in partnership with Brookfield Asset Management Inc.), West GTA and East. Its properties include Casino Woodbine, currently closed due to rising COVID-19 cases; Great Blue Heron Casino, Casino Ajax, Shorelines Casino Peterborough, Shorelines Casino Belleville, Shoreline Slots at Kawartha Downs, Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands, Elements Casino Mohawk, Elements Casino Brantford, Elements Casino Flamboro, and Elements Casino Grand River.
"Ontario actively supports job-creating investments in communities province-wide," said OLG Chair Peter Deeb. "OLG welcomes investment to the province, and we look forward to working together with Great Canadian to grow the economic benefits the gaming sector bring to Ontario."
