The new regional director for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. — the company tasked with implementing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) centres throughout the North — will be based in Sault Ste. Marie.
Gateway made the announcement on May 17, saying the regional director will work with general managers at each facility to monitor operations.
"Gateway is looking forward to expanding our footprint in the North and working closely with our new OLG colleagues in Sault Ste. Marie," said Keith Andrews, Gateway’s senior vice-president and managing director for Ontario, in a news release.
"Up to this point we've been working very hard to transition the properties and the employees, but very shortly our focus will turn to being on the ground in the Sault, talking to local decision-makers, and benefitting from the depth of experience in Ontario gaming operations found in the Sault."
A final agreement between OLG and Gateway is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
Gateway will be responsible for the day-to-day operations gaming operations of the North Gaming Bundle which includes Casino Sault Ste. Marie, Casino Thunder Bay, OLG Slots at Sudbury Downs, as well as planned new builds in North Bay and Kenora.
"Partnerships with the private sector, like Gateway, will help ensure the best possible gaming experience for customers and will leverage our gaming expertise in the Province, headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie," said Greg McKenzie, OLG’s executive vice-president and COO, in the release.
"We are pleased that Gateway has chosen to locate this strategic position in Sault Ste. Marie, which will help set up the North Bundle for success now and in the future."
Gateway was chosen as the preferred casino operator by the province last December.
The Sault has been making a concerted effort to build on its lottery and gaming expertise by attracting more professionals and businesses in the field to the city.
