Work is now officially underway on the multi-million transformation to the Western Fair District Casino in London.
Gateway Casinos announced Friday that transformative renovations to the casino located at 900 King Street in London has commenced. The extensive upgrade will see the casino join the Cascades family of Gateway Casinos through a more than $50 million investment that will feature 891 slots, 18 live table games, as well as Gateway’s signature restaurant brand, MATCH Eatery and Public House, plus an outdoor patio and Gateways extremely popular Chow Lucky Noodle Bar, an open concept kitchen dining experience that offers wok-fired cuisine.
“This represents a new chapter for Gateway in London and for our partners at the Raceway, Western Fair District, OLG and the city,” said Executive Vice-President of Construction and Development for Gateway Casinos Jag Nijjar. “When we are finished it will be a brand-new casino with all the modern amenities you have come to enjoy at Gateway casinos.”
The work will be done in phases over the next 27 months, expanding the casino from its current 70,000 square feet to 84,000 sq ft. The casino will remain open during construction, with a development plan that aims to provide minimal disruption to guests. The work required is expected to create more than 100 jobs and 150,000 employment hours before its anticipated completion of late 2025.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting transformation of the space, along with
a significant commitment to our community’s growth and development,” read a statement from Mayor Josh Morgan. “As the Western Fairgrounds Casino expands and evolves into a modern entertainment destination, it will undoubtedly bring with it new opportunities and a fresh energy to the area at large. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the positive impact these changes will have on our local economy and the overall entertainment scene in London.”
The addition of the MATCH Eatery and Public House boasts a high energy and exciting sport bar with live entertainment. The main entrance and the restaurant will be complemented by a beautiful and spacious outdoor patio that offers a three-season dining experience starting through the spring, summer and fall featuring a system dispensing a cooling mist on scorching summer days and outdoor fire pit heaters on days and evenings when the temperatures are cooler.
“The plans Gateway has unveiled in London, along with plans being advanced by our other land-based gaming partners, are providing real local benefits and will support the long-term vibrancy and excitement of the casino experience across Ontario, for years to come,” said OLG Chief Gaming Officer Dave Pridmore, OLG and our gaming partners also remain committed to promoting safe play at casinos through our award-winning PlaySmart program, to help keep the fun in the game.”
Gateway Casinos is one of the largest entertainment companies in Canada with 29 properties in British Columbia and Ontario, with additional venues in Alberta.