Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd. this week announced it was given approval by the provincial transportation ministry to proceed to build Cascades Casino Delta, the new USD 70 million hotel/casino complex. It was the final approval required and demolition of the Town & Country Inn where the new complex is to be located has been underway since last Friday.
“We are very excited to finally be starting construction of the new Cascades Casino Delta. We are looking forward to bringing this state-of-the-art entertainment destination to such a vibrant and rapidly growing community,” said Tony Santo, Gateway’s CEO, in a news release.
The casino will have up to 500 slots and 24 gaming tables, as well as a Match Eatery and Public House, Atlas Steak + Fish and a buffet. The company says the new casino is expected to open in 2020, but would not say what month or how much the wait in getting final ministry approval has impacted the schedule. The project includes a five-storey, 116-room hotel and meeting space. There won't be a music lounge or a sportsbook.
The B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) last fall gave its approval, following city council’s earlier go-ahead. The lottery corporation noted it gave its blessing following extensive reviews of the market opportunity, business case, health impacts and municipal approval process to ensure that the project meets legislated requirements under the Gaming Control Act.
According to Gateway, the complex at the junction of highways 17A and 99 will be “a full-service entertainment destination with a casual ambiance, but with the scale and amenities associated with a big-city entertainment facility with exceptional customer service and attention to detail.”
BCLC estimates annual revenue coming to Delta would be at the top end of its initial USD 1.5 million to USD 3 million projection. The number of slots is smaller than casinos like the River Rock Casino Resort and Starlight Casino, but more than some of the smaller gambling venues around the region.
The facility will have 800 parking stalls, while the road entrance to the complex is to have the same routing as what’s now in place but with road improvements. A second exit would be available but only during peak times at the facility. Gateway also has the Cascades brand in Langley, Kamloops and Penticton, B.C. The first Cascades Casino in Ontario is expected to open this summer in Chatham-Kent.
In terms of responsible gambling, Gateway operations in British Columbia include BCLC’s GameSense program. All Gateway properties in BC and Ontario hold RG Check accreditation. Together with BCLC and other government partners, Gateway stated it will continue to implement responsible gambling initiatives at all properties across Canada.