Employees of Chances Campbell River have a new employer, but other than the name on their paycheques, the implications of that change remain unclear.
The gaming facility now falls under the ownership umbrella of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment (Gateway).
Gateway announced, on Dec. 23, their acquisition of Playtime Gaming, who owned and operated Chances.
Campbell River Chances is one of six properties being added to Gateway’s operations – Abbotsford, Courtenay, Langley, Penticton and Victoria facilities being the others – “making it the largest and most diversified gaming company in Canada,” according to the release on the acquisition.
“Gateway now has 18 gaming properties with more than 200 tables, over 6,100 slot machines, and together with business partners, Gateway operates 36 restaurants, 1,000 hotel rooms and has over 3,800 employees.”
“This is an exciting day for everyone at Gateway as we welcome Playtime to be a part of Gateway’s growth strategy,” Tony Santo, CEO of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, says in the release.
CEO of Playtime Gary Gordon is seemingly happy with the arrangement, as well.
“Gateway is a leader in gaming across Canada,” says Gordon. “I am excited for our employees and our customers as we become part of a best-in-class gaming and entertainment company.”
The transition from Playtime to Gateway facilities will be overseen by Tom Nellis, Playtime’s previous owner, “to ensure a smooth transition of operations and employees,” but Playtime properties, including Chances Campbell River, will now report to Jag Nijjar, senior vice-president of operations of Gateway.
A representative for Chances Campbell River said no comment would be forthcoming from the local facility, directing all questions to Gateway public relations.
Tanya Gabara, director of public relations for Gateway, says operations at the facility will be “business as usual” while the facility transitions to the Gateway family.
“Right now, our immediate priority is to make a smooth transition,” says Gabara. “Our customers can expect the same great service from the same great staff as they were getting, just under Gateway, now.”
After that transition takes place, Gabara says, “operations will be reviewed and reassessed,” to determine the exact direction each facility will take in terms of offerings and structure.