Gateway Casinos Sudbury marks 25 years in business

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Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is celebrating its silver anniversary in Sudbury today: The casino at Sudbury Downs in Chelmsford first opened 25 years ago, on Nov. 26, 1999.

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To celebrate, Gateway is donating $2,500 to Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury and devoting the day at the casino to recognizing its regular patrons and guests with commemorative gifts, promotions, and live entertainment.

Over the last quarter century, gateway said the casino has contributed more than $50 million in revenue to the City of Greater Sudbury through the OLG’s Municipal Contribution Agreement Program. So far this fiscal year (April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025), Greater Sudbury has received $1.1 million.

Jim Love, general manager at Gateway Casinos Sudbury, called the celebration a proud day for the casino employees.

“Today we are celebrating 25 years (of) providing gaming entertainment to the people of Sudbury and the many out-of-town visitors who come to enjoy this region every summer and throughout the year,” Love said in a release. “We continue to be a successful business and attraction for the city because of our remarkable and dedicated staff.”

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OLG’s president and CEO, Duncan Hannay, congratulated Gateway, the casino team members and the City of Greater Sudbury on this milestone.

“For 25 years, the Sudbury casino has created good jobs and delivered important revenue to the city to make it a great place to live,” Hannay said. “Over the years, the city has invested more than $50 million from OLG’s Municipal Contribution Agreement in many vital capital projects, such as roads and facility refurbishments, including most recently, ensuring a local library branch was made totally accessible for all community members.

“OLG truly values the strong and productive partnership we have with Gateway and the City of (Greater) Sudbury.”

Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre also congratulated Gateway Casinos and its staff. “The Gateway team has consistently supported a number of excellent charities and initiatives across our community over the years like the Sudbury Food Bank and CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team for being great community partners along the way.”

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Some of the promotional activities taking place today include:

– $2,500 cash draw at 7 p.m.

– 25 Silver Anniversary Hot Seat draws throughout the day unitl 11 p.m.

– Souvenir Gift Pack containing commemorative 25th T-shirt and colour changing cup noon and 6 p.m.

– Special sweet treats and entertainment from local musician Daniel Currie from 2 to 6 p.m.

In addition to being an entertainment and tourist attraction, the casino has assisted charitable organizations with staff volunteers and financial contributions. Since 2017, GatewayGIVES, the company’s community and charitable giving program, has donated $67,723 to more than 42 local charities in Sudbury.

The casino supports the work of the Aboriginal Peoples Alliance Northern Ontario, CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 553 Chelmsford, the Shoebox Project for Women and the Sudbury Food Bank.

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“One of the things we take real pride in here at the casino is the way we give back to the community,” Love said. “I often think of our staff as unsung heroes.

“Our volunteers are already getting ready for the CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon and they also volunteer at the Blue Door Soup Kitchen, CIBC Run for the Cure, and the City of Greater Sudbury regreening program, planting trees in the summer.”

Love also noted 19 employees who have been at the casino since it opened on Nov. 26, 1999. “That’s an achievement in itself and testament to the kinds of careers the casino can offer.”

Marc Repele, a guest services supervisor, is one such employee. “Looking back, there are so many memories that stand out working at Gateway Casino Sudbury, from wearing a green count jumpsuit on day one to getting a custom-made Gateway suit and all those late nights in between.

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“I just want to share my gratitude and appreciation for all my coworkers past and present who have made the last 25 years so memorable,” Repele said.

Kim Jones, an audit supervisor, is another. “It’s hard to believe that 25 years has already passed. It has been a fantastic journey. The faces have changed along the way but it’s still an amazing place to work. The people you work with here are supportive and are always there for you.”

Todd McGrayne, a supervisor in Sudbury with more than 25 years in the gaming industry, reflected on his time at the casino. “I have really appreciated the opportunities presented to me as the industry evolved and I have enjoyed many of the many friendships made along the way.”

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