Operator News
Canada – Slots return to Hiawatha Horse Park after eight-year absence
By Phil - 27 February 2020
Gateway Casinos Sarnia has opened in Ontario with 150 new slots and the creation of more than 60 new jobs in the community.
The 53,100 square foot facility features a 22,033 square foot gaming floor with a fully licensed signature “Express Bar.” Gateway’s proprietary loyalty program, My Club Rewards, will allow patrons to earn points by playing slots and redeem those points at Gateway’s Starlight Casino in nearby Point Edward and at all other Gateway casinos in Ontario.
At a ribbon cutting ceremony Gateway Senior Vice President of Casino Operations Jamie Papp was joined by Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Vice-President of Land Based Gaming, Bruce MacKenzie, to officially launch the new casino.
“Gateway is excited to bring another new gaming and entertainment facility to the greater Sarnia-Lambton region. Our guests can expect the same quality and friendly service they have grown accustomed to at our Starlight Casino in Point Edward, just on a more intimate scale,” said Gateway’s Jamie Papp.
“This is a great day for Hiawatha Horse Park, Gateway Casinos and the City of Sarnia. Our government has kept its promise to the thousands of people that rely on the horse racing industry by reinvesting in the Slots at Racetracks Program. Gateway Casinos’ partnership with Hiawatha marks the return of a premium gaming and entertainment destination to the City of Sarnia. This will provide a real economic boost for Sarnia-Lambton and local businesses,” enthused MPP Bob Bailey.
“We are delighted to see the return of slots to Hiawatha Horse Park. We welcome the jobs and synergy with the horse racing industry. Good luck to everyone who visits Hiawatha Slots,” added Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.
“OLG congratulates Gateway on the grand opening of its casino in Sarnia,” said OLG Vice-President of Land Based Gaming, Bruce MacKenzie. “Investing in this gaming site and in the community will help ensure the best possible gaming experience for customers, increase awareness of the local horse racing industry and allow OLG to continue to deliver benefits to the people and Province of Ontario.”
A commitment to responsible gambling is integral to how Gateway operates in Ontario including OLG’s PlaySmart program. All Gateway properties in BC and Ontario hold RG Check accreditation. Together with OLG and other government partners, Gateway will continue to implement responsible gambling initiatives at all properties across Canada.
