Hiawatha Slots Sarnia
Last week’s announcement that Hiawatha Horse Park on London Line will see a return of slots six years after the former Liberal government pulled the plug has just about everyone pleased with the move.
Slots are returning to Hiawatha Horse Park Announcement by government is welcome news for both City of Sarnia and owner of facility By Editorial Staff October 29, 2018 Business, Entertainment. Sarnia Officials Mull Over Slots Return to Hiawatha Horse Park after 6-Year Hiatus; Communities across the province were opposing well-rounded casino venues construction, eventually pushing gaming to the local racetracks. Six years ago, the government put an end to this program and the missing allocations had their reverberation across the. Gateway Casinos Sarnia has opened at Hiawatha Horse Park in Southwestern Ontario after the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) ended the slots-at-racetracks program in the province some eight years ago. Slots return to Hiawatha Horse Park after 8-year absence January 30, 2020, Sarnia, ON – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited (“Gateway”) announced today it will be returning slots to Hiawatha Horse Park, at 1730 London Line in Sarnia.
Likely top of that list is Jim Henderson, owner of the track, who was all smiles at a Thursday announcement made by MPP Bob Bailey on behalf of the new government.
The announcement was a follow up to a campaign promise to do so.
It was 2012 when the bells and shouts of “jackpot” last sounded at the facility. Under the new agreement, about 150 slots will be operating, although timing is still to be determined.
Henderson said the announcement came together very quickly. The operator of the Gateway Casinos Point Edward will be involved.
The key message that the City of Sarnia will once again see a stream of revenue from the gaming operation is welcome news, with newly re-elected Mayor Mike Bradley saying he has been able to confirm with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation officials that a revenue-sharing agreement for host communities will apply to the new slots.
Bradley has said he was able to confirm with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation officials that a long-standing gambling revenue-sharing agreement for host communities will apply to the new slots at Hiawatha.
It is not yet clear how much money will flow to the City but the municipality took it more than $30 million during the time the slots were previously operating at Hiawatha.
The previous decision to end slots at racetracks negatively impacted the horse racing industry, something Bailey said the new Progressive Conservative government was determined to correct.
“(They) didn’t really think it was important, but I know how important it was,” Bailey said, adding that he was “just tickled to death for Sarnia-Lambton and for Hiawatha.”
Henderson, who has owned the track since 1990, noted that Hiawatha had 450 slot machines when the program was cancelled, although he kept the racing going after the slots left. He also added a driving range and other features, including go-karts.
It remains to be seen how much business will return to the area around the racetrack, but Bailey is hopeful.
As far as attendance at the race track, recent averages of about 1,000 for live and simulcast horse racing are about half of what they were when the slots were open, according to Henderson.
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Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Construction has either wrapped up or is about to wrap up on casinos in Pickering, Sarnia and North Bay.
The first phase of the Pickering Casino Resort, from One Toronto Gaming, is set to open soon, featuring a range of gaming and dining options. The second phase of the resort promises entertainment and hotel choices. Once complete, the development will employ more than 2,000 as part of the casino resort’s team.
Meanwhile, in Sarnia Gateway Casino & Entertainment Ltd. announced recently that Gateway Casinos Sarnia was officially opened, with 150 new slots and the creation of more than 60 new jobs in the community.
And in North Bay, Cascade North Bay, a casino also from Gateway, is expected to open in the summer. Last May Gateway detailed how it would spend about $31 million to build the new casino, creating 300 new jobs in North Bay. When completed, it will span more than 39,000 square feet, featuring 300 slots and eight live table games.
“Gateway is delighted to be coming to the City of North Bay. We are proud to be one more reason to make this city your entertainment destination. This is the first time Gateway has put shovels in the ground in northern Ontario and we are very excited to be offering the citizens of North Bay a new and exciting entertainment and dining experience in their city,” Carrie Kormos, chief marketing and communications officer for Gateway Ontario, said last May.
The $31 million investment “will not only create 300 new jobs in North Bay, but will also provide millions in economic spin-offs throughout construction and with locally sourced goods and services when completed.”
Hiawatha Slots Sarnia Ontario
The Sarnia casino spans 53,100 sq. ft., and features a 22,033-sq. ft. gaming floor. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s Bruce MacKenzie was among the dignitaries offering congratulations.
“OLG congratulates Gateway on the grand opening of its casino in Sarnia,” said MacKenzie, OLG vice-president of land based gaming. “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.”
Sarnia’s mayor Mike Bradley spoke for the community. “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,” he said.
The construction of the Pickering casino began last year, and when open patrons will have more than 2,000 slot machines, 100 live table games, and 167 live dealer stadium gaming terminals to choose from. Phase two will include a 2,500-seat theatre for year-round concerts, dance, live performances, and more. The hotel will have 275 guest rooms.