A palpable wave of anticipation is sweeping east of Orillia as Casino Rama Resort undertakes a transformative journey. This ambitious, multi-million dollar redevelopment by Gateway Casinos aims to reimagine the iconic entertainment destination, crucially bolstering Rama First Nation’s continued prosperity.
Gateway Casinos leads the significant investment for Casino Rama’s revitalization. CEO Tolek Strukoff envisions comprehensive enhancement to solidify its premier status. This deeply resonates with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Chief Ted Williams, involved since 1994, highlighted the $2 billion payroll over nearly three decades, a profound economic boon for indigenous business. “Post COVID, things are moving… We are turning the corner,” Chief Williams stated, reflecting community optimism.
The Casino Rama redevelopment is extensive. Match Eatery and Public House recently opened, one of three planned Gateway Casinos branded restaurants; Chow Lucky Noodle Bar opened last fall, and Atlas Steak and Seafood Restaurant will replace St. Germain’s. The gaming floor receives new carpets, bars, and slots. Hotel rooms are being renovated. A key feature is the expanded spa, relocating to the hotel’s first floor. The central rotunda is also being revamped.
This renewal has been active “over the last year,” noted Glenn Trickey, Gateway’s VP of Operations at Casino Rama, with “still more to come.” The resort, a Rama First Nation landmark since 1996, is buzzing with innovation. East of Orillia, in cottage country, its prime location is further leveraged by these enhancements, with Match Eatery’s debut signalling tangible progress.
In Ontario’s competitive gaming landscape, Trickey stressed that renewing Casino Rama is “essential.” The strategy is to cultivate a “destination resort” by bolstering non-gaming amenities—spa, hotel, diverse dining, and top entertainment like The Zac Brown Band. Gateway Casinos is committing “millions of dollars” in this Gateway Casinos investment.
This investment thrives on a partnership: Rama First Nation, OLG, Gateway Casinos, and the AGCO. OLG Chair Jim Warren called them the “core four,” affirming, “When we all work together anything is possible.” The goal is recapturing pre-COVID audiences and ensuring long-term success, supporting nearly 1,100 employees—a figure up since the pandemic. Designer Ron Wong of Mackaywong, a long-time designer for the property, noted Gateway’s investment builds “amenities around the gaming piece,” maintaining its “destination place” appeal.
The lower Canadian dollar may also boost local tourism, a timely opportunity for the revamped Casino Rama. This redevelopment is more than infrastructure; it’s a testament to resilience, community commitment, and a bold vision for Ontario’s entertainment future, with Rama First Nation pivotal to this exciting new chapter.
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Casino Rama betting on ‘essential’ renewal to return to glory days
