New Billion Dollar Casino Opens in Toronto
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Around a decade ago, there was a lot of debate about opening a massive, Vegas-style casino and hotel on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in Toronto’s downtown. That never came to fruition.
The appetite for a major casino property never faded, and this week it was fulfilled, as the $1 billion Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto formally opened its doors.
The first stage was the opening of a brand-new gaming floor and multiple dining venues, with a new luxury hotel coming soon.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto One of the Largest
Part of the appeal is in its location, on 33 acres of land. Toronto, Canada’s most populous city, is accessible via a network of major highways, running east/west and north/south.
The new casino is located adjacent to Woodbine Racetrack, right at the nexus of Highways 427 and 401.
It’s not only the newest and largest casino resort in Canada, but it’s one of the largest in North America. With over 328,000 square feet of gaming space, 4,800 slot machines, 145 live table games, VIP rooms, sports betting kiosks, whether you are seasoned Vegas-style entertainment seeker, seasoned player or just looking for a weekend getaway, the new casino resort has something for everyone.
The hotel, set to open later this summer, will have 400 rooms and suites across 11 floors.
Casino Benefit to Ontario More than $500 Million
A statement from Great Canadian Entertainment, which built the new facility, and operates it (the property is leased from Woodbine Racetrack, with an operational contract via Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation), says investment behind the project totalled $1 billion, with an estimated $500 million in economic benefit for Ontario.
Nearly 2,000 people will be employed. The City of Toronto has received more than $357 million as its share of gaming revenue since the introduction of Casino Woodbine in 1999, as part of the OLG’s program to share revenue with cities that host casinos.
“Our team has worked tirelessly for several years to create an unrivaled entertainment experience that will leave a lasting impression on our guests,” said Matthew Anfinson, chief executive officer, Great Canadian Entertainment, in a statement. “The opening of this first phase of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto is incredibly exciting for all of us, and we are very eager to unveil the next phases, including the hotel and The Theatre, in the coming weeks and months.”
The entertainment venue will have 5,000 seats. Great Canadian Entertainment just announced a new deal with Live Nation to bring in big names in music and comedy to the new Toronto facility.
The property has a combined 35,000 square feet of retail space, and an array of dining options – Copperhorn Steakhouse, CA.SU.AL gastropub, and The Eatery, with grab-and-go sandwiches and salads. The Food Hall has a variety of eating spots like Tim Hortons, Big Smoke Burger and Pizzaiolo.
Great Canadian Entertainment operates 25 gaming, entertainment, hospitality and resort facilities in Ontario, B.C., New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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