Great Canadian Entertainment is finally ready to bring that world-renowned ‘Vegas-style’ casino experience to Ontario.
On June 20, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will officially open its doors after several years of anticipation. The grand opening ceremony for the 328,000-square foot Ontario casino will kick off next Tuesday at 5 p.m. EST.
Already earning a reputation for its impressive stature and sleek modern design, the soon-to-be largest Canadian casino features a gaming catalogue worthy of such a title.
Headlined by 4,800 slot machines and 145 table games, the entertainment venue will provide an “unparalleled variety of gaming experiences,” including exclusive VIP rooms, per a news release from the casino operator. On top of traditional casino and table games, Ontario sports bettors will also have access to “state-of-the-art” sports betting kiosks.
All of this and more will be available at 555 Rexdale Boulevard, near the interchange of Highways 401 and 427.
Great Canadian Toronto is currently one of the largest private sector projects in Ontario
Unsurprisingly, construction of a Vegas-style casino, 400-room hotel, 5,000-person live entertainment venue, and collection of restaurants didn’t come cheap.
All in all, the Great Canadian Toronto project required an investment of about $1 billion. But, according to Great Canadian Entertainment CEO, Matthew Anfinson, the nine-figure stake will soon prove to be well worth it.
“We are thrilled to announce that our highly anticipated new casino will open on June 20. With meticulous attention to detail, state-of-the-art amenities, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences, our landmark entertainment resort is a game-changer in Toronto.”
Currently, the 33-acre, all-encompassing entertainment hub is expected to generate over $500 million in economic impact.
Responsible gambling remains a top priority for involved gaming authorities
Although the Great Canadian brand is on full display, their most ambitious venture yet is actually a joint effort with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. Together, the gaming juggernauts are intent on promoting safe play to “keep the fun in the game.”
To stay true to this commitment, Great Canadian Toronto will operate a PlaySmart Centre on the gaming floor. Here, players will have access to the OLG’s responsible gaming program, equipped with engaging interactive tools and valuable RG resources.
Each year, the OLG commits over $10 million to RG program delivery, marketing and education, compliance efforts, research, training, and the operations of PlaySmart Centres located in gaming facilities across the province.
Casino Woodbine will continue to operate until grand debut of Great Canadian Toronto
Once Tuesday comes around, Casino Woodbine will cease operations and evolve into the new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. Until then, the former will continue to function “without any interruption,” according to Great Canadian Entertainment.
That said, the project hasn’t come without controversy.
Recently, over 1,000 Casino Woodbine employees were locked out of casino grounds after negotiations with One Toronto Gaming fell through.
Before the lockout, in mid-March, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation denounced the ‘megacasino,‘ calling out both Great Canadian Entertainment and the OLG for ignoring already negotiated agreements.
However, Great Canadian Entertainment, which represents one half of One Toronto Gaming’s ownership group, doesn’t seem bothered. In its statement, the company categorized the transition to Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto as “seamless.”
Grand opening announcement follows Great Canadian’s partnership with Live Nation Canada
On June 7, Great Canadian Entertainment announced an exclusive partnership with live entertainment powerhouse, Live Nation Canada.
The deal will help bring some of the biggest names in music and comedy to Great Canadian venues across Canada, such as The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, which holds 5,000 spectators.
Other venues under the Great Canadian domain that stand to benefit from the alliance, include:
- The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort
- River Rock Casino Resort
- Hard Rock Casino Resort Vancouver
- Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick; and
- The Schooner Showroom at Casino Nova Scotia
Gavin Whiteley, Chief Marketing Officer at Great Canadian Entertainment, views the collaboration as nothing short of a resounding success.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Live Nation Canada, the premier live entertainment promoter in the world.
“This partnership will bring some of the biggest and most exciting artists to our exceptional venues, providing guests with unforgettable experiences they will cherish for years to come.”
Suffice it to say, Great Canadian Entertainment is certainly pulling out all the stops to deliver on its promise of being Canada’s premier gaming and hospitality network.
