Cascades Casino Delta had a good first week.
According to social media posts, the establishment – worth $99 million – got off to a rocking start. Videos and stills posted online showed jam-packed crowds, long lines and patrons exploring the casino’s 160,000-square-foot entertainment space.
How much the business pulled in, however, remains a mystery.
British Columbia Lottery Corporation spokesperson Maria Szabo told PlayCanada¸ the agency couldn’t disclose opening week numbers. Meanwhile, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment – Cascades Casino Delta’s operator – did not immediately respond to our inquiry.
Regardless, Szabo seemed upbeat.
“BCLC was thrilled to welcome players to the new facility at Cascades Casino Delta, which was brimming with energy over the weekend and well-attended in its first week of opening.
Along with our partners at Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, we’re looking forward to the continued success of the casino, bringing both excellent entertainment and economic benefits to the community of Delta.”
Cascades Casino Delta will contribute roughly $2 million locally
BCLC discloses its BC casinos’ yearly financial numbers at the end of each fiscal year. So, the public will have to wait a little longer to know Cascades’ true economic benefit to the Delta community.
Whatever the final number does end up being, BCLC told PlayCanada that the City of Delta gets a 10% share of the net gaming revenue generated by the establishment. In Cascade Casino Delta’s case, Szabo thinks that number will be roughly $2 million annually.
For reference’s sake, according to provincial records, the casinos that generated the most revenue locally in the 2021-2022 fiscal year (April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022) were:
- Grand Villa Casino (Burnaby) – $8.7 million
- River Rock Casino (Richmond) – $8.3 million
- Cascades Casino Langley (Langley) – $6 million
- Hard Rock Casino (Coquitlam) – $5.4 million
- Starlight Casino (New Westminster) – $4.8 million
- Parq Casino (Vancouver) – $4.4 million
- View Royal Casino (View Royal) – $3.4 million
Social media reacts to Cascades Casino Delta’s opening
Outside of economic output, social media showed many users enjoying the Sept.29 opening.
One Meta (Facebook) user commented:
“So we checked out the Cascades Delta Casino. Nice location, very clean, some different slots that entertained!”
Another review said:
“Lovely place, friendly service, excellent location. Easy access from North Delta, Tsawwassen, Vancouver or Surrey.”
And overall, images of the inside and parking lot alluded to a busy opening.
However, there were some detractors.
“Brutal parking” was one gripe.
Another misstep: the buffet wait times. Cascades Casino Delta’s dining options include The Buffet, Summit Bar and MATCH Eatery & Public House. However, one Facebook reviewer was not impressed.
“Drove all the way there for buffet lunch, to be told at 12:30 that the line up was already closed even though lunch was supposed to end at 2:00…really disappointing. We would not make the drive out again.”
Others remained against the casino’s opening altogether.
Cascades Delta Casino is a long time coming
With a two-year delay behind them, surely the unveiling was equally exciting and relieving for those involved.
Initially, the casino was to open in 2020. COVID and supply-chain issues changed that. Consequently, investors saw the price tag balloon from its initial $70 million to $99.3.
Nevertheless, as per local reports, Gateway representatives and politicians toasted, gave speeches and cut the ribbon.
Media members also received a tour of the facility.
Some speakers included:
- Rob Ward (COO of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment)
- Delta Mayor George Harvie
- Provincial ministers Selina Robinsons and Mike Farnworth
- Greg Moore (board chair, BCLC)
Cascades Casino Delta has 500 slot machines, 18 live table games and six electronic tables.
