Gateway Casinos

Corporate history and expansion

Gateway Casinos began its operations in 1992 by acquiring two small casino facilities in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The company acquired a 5,000 square foot casino on the second floor of the Mandarin Centre in Vancouver's Chinatown and a 4,000 square foot operation on the top floor of the Royal Towers Hotel in New Westminster. In March 1994, Gateway purchased a third casino in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, which it later relocated to become the Burnaby Casino. In June 1994, Gateway relocated the Vancouver casino to newly renovated premises in the Mandarin Centre, which was then the largest casino in British Columbia. Gateway relocated its New Westminster operation within the Royal Towers Hotel in January 1996 and ceased operating the Maple Ridge casino in November 1996, opening a new operation in Burnaby.

In November 1999, the company acquired the Palace Casino in Edmonton, Alberta, which was later renamed Starlight Casino and underwent a major renovation substantially completed in October 2001. The year 2002 was significant for Gateway due to the acquisition of the Baccarat Casino in Edmonton in June and the August purchase of the Lake City Casinos in Penticton, Kelowna, Kamloops and Vernon. The opening of Cascades Casino in Langley, British Columbia, in May 2005 represented a new era, featuring over 60,000 square feet of gaming space, a 77-room hotel, and convention facilities operated by Coast Hotels and Resorts Limited. Gateway's flagship properties, Starlight Casino and Grand Villa Casino, opened in 2007 and 2008 respectively, solidifying its market presence.

Further growth occurred through acquisitions of community gaming centres and entry into the Ontario market. In 2011, Gateway purchased three existing Community Gaming Centres in Squamish, Mission, and Newton Surrey. The company expanded its British Columbia holdings in December 2015 by buying Playtime Gaming Inc., which added four new community gaming centres and two commercial bingo halls. A major expansion into Ontario followed in December 2016, when Gateway purchased 11 casinos from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), with properties from Thunder Bay to London and including rights to build in Kenora and North Bay. This move increased the company's total employment to over 6,000 people.

In March 2018, Gateway was selected as the service provider for OLG's Central Gaming Bundle, which included managing Casino Rama and slot operations at Georgian Downs, plus rights to build a new casino in Collingwood or Wasaga Beach. Wasaga Beach was selected as the site in April 2019. At the beginning of 2019, Gateway also acquired Chances Casino Kamloops, making it the sole gaming provider in Kamloops. In the spring of 2019, Gateway acquired Chances Signal Point in Williams Lake, expanding into British Columbia's Cariboo region.

Recent developments and properties

Gateway has continued to expand and refresh its property portfolio through new builds, renovations, and brand launches. That same spring in 2019, Gateway launched its Playtime Casino brand in Ontario with the transformed Playtime Casino Hanover opening on April 11. Gateway celebrated the official opening of two new Cascades Casino locations in 2022, with the first in North Bay, Ontario, on April 21 and the second in Delta, British Columbia, on September 29. Wasaga Playtime Casino opened on November 23, 2022, representing a $34.3 million investment and creating 140 new jobs in Wasaga Beach.

Recent announcements highlight ongoing investments and property refreshes. In June 2026, Gateway launched Cascades Casino London following a significant renovation. The company also celebrated the 25-year anniversary of Gateway Casinos Woodstock in June 2026. Looking forward, Gateway announced in August 2026 the launch of live table games at its Sudbury, Ontario, location. The company has also announced plans to invest approximately $31 million to build the new Cascades Casino North Bay, which is expected to create up to 300 new jobs.

• Starlight Casino: A flagship property located at 350 Gifford Street in New Westminster, British Columbia, operating 24 hours a day.
• Grand Villa Casino: Another flagship property located in Burnaby, British Columbia.
• Cascades Casino: A major brand with locations including Langley, Kamloops, Delta, London, and North Bay.
• Playtime Casino: The brand used for properties in Ontario, such as Playtime Casino Hanover and Wasaga Playtime Casino.
• Community Gaming Centres and Bingo Halls: Smaller-scale venues acquired through purchases like Playtime Gaming Inc.
• Racinos and Slot Operations: Facilities like those at Georgian Downs managed as part of OLG bundles.

Operations and amenities

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment operates as a full-service gaming and hospitality provider, offering a range of amenities beyond casino floors. A typical larger property, such as Cascades Casino Langley opened in 2005, includes extensive gaming space, on-site hotel accommodations operated by partners like Coast Hotels and Resorts Limited, and convention facilities. The company has expanded its food and beverage operations significantly, launching its 'Match' brand of pub-style dining within its casinos. On July 21, 2021, Gateway announced the expansion of this brand with two 'Match on the Move' food trucks, one operating in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia and one in Southwestern Ontario.

Gaming offerings are comprehensive and designed to cater to various interests. Properties feature a wide array of electronic gaming machines, often numbering in the hundreds, with popular slot games and themes. Table games are a key component, with flagship locations like Starlight Casino New Westminster featuring 54 gaming tables. The company has also invested in electronic table game experiences, such as the Solar Arena at Starlight Casino. Stadium Gaming areas and Racebooks for sports and horse race betting are available at select locations, providing a sports bar atmosphere with wagering options.

Entertainment and dining are central to the Gateway experience, positioning its properties as entertainment destinations. Many locations host live entertainment events, concerts, and performances in dedicated venues or show lounges. Sports viewing is a major draw, with properties featuring large screens, such as the 26-foot wide big screen noted at Starlight Casino, for watching major sporting events. Multiple restaurant concepts exist under the Gateway umbrella, from casual pub fare at Match eateries to more formal dining options, with many properties offering happy hour specials and promotional menus. The company runs regular player promotions, including bonus play giveaways, cash prize drawings, and special event nights to engage customers.

Economic impact and community role

Gateway Casinos positions itself as a significant economic partner and job creator in the cities and towns where it operates. The company frequently highlights the capital investment and employment associated with new developments. For example, the Wasaga Playtime Casino opened in 2022 represented a $34.3 million investment and created 140 new jobs in that community. Similarly, the two new Cascades Casino locations opened in 2022 in North Bay and Delta each represented a multi-million dollar investment and the creation of hundreds of new jobs.

The company's operations generate substantial revenue for provincial governments and, by extension, public services, through gaming taxes and levies. As a large employer with over 7,000 staff across Canada, Gateway provides a wide range of employment opportunities in hospitality, security, management, and culinary services. Its properties often act as anchors for local tourism, drawing visitors to regions and supporting ancillary businesses like hotels, restaurants, and retail. Gateway's expansion into Ontario, particularly with the acquisition of 11 OLG properties in 2016, significantly increased its economic footprint in that province, bringing jobs and investment to communities from Thunder Bay to London.

Gateway's community involvement extends beyond direct employment and taxation. The company's food truck initiative, Match on the Move, is framed as a way to engage with communities beyond the casino walls. By operating in cities and towns across Canada, Gateway states it gains insight and connection to local communities, which informs its operations. The scale of its operations, from large destination casinos to smaller community gaming centres, allows it to tailor its economic role to the size and needs of the host municipality. This model of integrated entertainment, dining, and gaming is designed to make each property a hub of local activity and economic contribution.

Cybersecurity incident of 2023

On April 16, 2023, Gateway Casinos and Entertainment was the victim of a significant cyberattack that disrupted its operations. The attack impacted the company's information technology systems, leading to the proactive closure of its casinos and most associated restaurants and other facilities across Ontario. This shutdown affected numerous properties and their employees, as the company worked to contain the breach and assess the damage to its networks. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of large entertainment and hospitality operators to digital threats and the potential operational and financial consequences of such attacks.

The company undertook a managed process to restore systems and resume normal operations, beginning to reopen affected Ontario casinos by May 2, 2023. The cyberattack did not result in a permanent loss of properties or a fundamental change to the company's ownership or business model. It served as a notable event in the company's recent history, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the modern gaming industry. The incident was resolved without long-term closure of any properties, and Gateway continued with its planned expansions and renovations in the following years.

Financial and operational statistics

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment has grown from a small regional operator into one of Canada's largest gaming companies. The company's scale is demonstrated by its employee count, which has grown from 150 employees at 2 facilities in its early days to over 7,000 employees at 31 facilities today. This growth trajectory reflects a consistent strategy of acquisition and new development over three decades. The company's geographic footprint spans three provinces, with a concentration of properties in British Columbia and Ontario, following its major purchase of OLG assets in 2016.

Gateway's ownership by The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity firm founded in 2002, provides the financial backing for its continued expansion and investment plans. The company started providing operational services for casinos in the Greater Vancouver Regional District in 1992. A key early milestone was the 1994 purchase of a casino in Maple Ridge, which later became the Burnaby Casino. Significant expansion occurred in 2002 with the acquisition of the Baccarat Casino in Edmonton and the Lake City Casinos in four British Columbia cities.

• Electronic gaming machines and slots, with over 935 machines at Starlight Casino alone.
• Live table games, with 54 tables at Starlight Casino and live games launched in Sudbury in 2026.
• Stadium Gaming areas for interactive electronic games and sports viewing.
• Racebooks for pari-mutuel horse race and sports betting.
• VIP gaming lounges for high-limit players.
• Electronic table game arenas, such as the Solar Arena at Starlight Casino.

Questions about Gateway Casinos

What is Starlight Casino and where is it located?

Starlight Casino is one of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment's flagship properties. It is located at 350 Gifford Street in New Westminster, British Columbia. The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering a full range of gaming, dining, and entertainment options. Originally acquired by Gateway in 1999 as the Palace Casino, it was renamed and underwent a major renovation that was substantially completed in October 2001.

What kind of gaming is available at Starlight Casino?

Starlight Casino New Westminster offers a comprehensive gaming floor. It features over 935 electronic gaming machines, including a wide variety of slot games and themes. The casino has 54 live gaming tables for games like blackjack and hosts a dedicated Stadium Gaming area. Other amenities include a Racebook for sports and horse race betting, VIP gaming lounges, and the Solar Arena, which is a dedicated space for electronic table games offering an interactive experience.

Does Starlight Casino have restaurants and promotions?

Yes, Starlight Casino features dining options as part of Gateway's food and beverage offerings, including the Match brand. The casino runs regular promotions for players, which can include bonus play giveaways and cash prize drawings. For instance, promotions have included chances to win up to $1,288 in bonus play on Fridays. The casino is located at 350 Gifford Street in New Westminster, British Columbia, and operates 24 hours a day.

Is there entertainment at Starlight Casino besides gaming?

Starlight Casino positions itself as a live entertainment destination. The property hosts concerts, performances, and other live events. It also caters to sports fans with a large 26-foot wide big screen for viewing major sporting events in a lively atmosphere. The combination of gaming, multiple dining venues, and regular entertainment programming is designed to make it a comprehensive entertainment hub in New Westminster. The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

How many casinos does Gateway operate and where?

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment operates 31 casinos in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. Its properties are located in cities and towns across these three provinces. The portfolio includes flagship destinations like Starlight Casino and Grand Villa Casino. It also includes the Cascades Casino brand and the Playtime Casino brand in Ontario, with properties ranging from large destination casinos to smaller community gaming centres.

Who owns Gateway Casinos and Entertainment?

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is owned by The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity investment firm founded in 2002. The corporate offices of Gateway Casinos and Entertainment are located in Burnaby, British Columbia. Gateway is one of the largest casino and entertainment companies in Canada, having grown from 2 facilities with 150 employees to 31 facilities with over 7,000 employees. The company started providing operational services for casinos in the Greater Vancouver Regional District in 1992.

Sources and further reading

• Gateway Casinos (Wikipedia)
• OLG x Gateway Casinos | Play Online (olg.ca)
• Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited (worldcasinodirectory.com)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-11.