Skip to content

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Delta’s new casino opens two years late with 500 slots machines, 600 jobs

Hotel in the Ladner complex expected to open later this fall
30550802_web1_221006-SUL-DeltaCasinoOpens-m_1
Table games and slot machines at the new Delta Cascades Casino on opening day, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. (Photo: Tom Zillich)

The new Cascades Casino Delta opened Thursday (Sept. 29) with 500 slots machines, multiple restaurants and bars, employment for close to 600 people and a promise to be a landmark venue for entertainment in the South Fraser region.

Open 24 hours a day, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment’s $99-million facility features close to 160,000 square feet of entertainment space in Ladner, just north of the Highway 99/17A interchange and next to Massey Tunnel.

Thursday afternoon’s official opening was delayed two years by the pandemic and supply-chain issues.

In a 5,000-square-foot ballroom with 300 people, Gateway reps and politicians toasted the casino opening in speeches, after media were given a tour of the new entertainment complex.

• RELATED: Cascades Casino Delta scheduled to open Sept. 29 as $99M investment for Gateway company.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Outside, the parking lot was full by around 5 p.m. as people from around the region filled the casino for a first look, entering through a sun-bathed atrium.

The gaming area is 40,000 square feet and full of slot machines, along with “stadium-style” gaming, 18 live table games (no poker tables), a bar and other amenities, including a Gamesense kiosk that deals with people who have gambling-addiction issues.

Gateway’s “signature” restaurants at the Delta casino include The Buffet, Summit Bar and Match Eatery & Public House, which features a multi-season patio and live music. Match also has the Bud Room, a Budweiser-branded party space for up to 30 people, with pool table and bar, that can be rented for a $400 deposit and $1,500 minimum spend.

Thursday’s long list of speakers included Rob Ward (COO of Gateway Casinos & Entertainment), Delta Mayor George Harvie, provincial ministers Selina Robinson and Mike Farnworth, MLA Ian Paton and Greg Moore (board chair, British Columbia Lottery Corporation).

Finance minister Robinson emphasized that money spent at the casino will stay in B.C., as did Moore, while Harvie and Paton welcomed the casino to Delta for bringing jobs and entertainment options to the community.

The opening ceremony included news that Delta Community Foundation is named the official beneficiary of the GatewayGives charitable donations program, as selected by Gateway employees. Until Oct. 31, a portion of the casino’s food and beverage sales at Match will be donated to the foundation.

The casino’s opening weekend includes “exciting promotions, giveaways, entertainment and much more,” a Gateway news release beams.

Back in November 2018, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation gave final approval for construction of the casino, built on the former site of Delta Town & Country Inn. At the time, the construction timeline projected an opening of mid-2020.

When it opens later this fall, the attached five-storey Delta by Marriott hotel will have up to 124 rooms and include a “luxurious” day spa, resort-style outdoor pool and hot tub, state of the art fitness centre, “sophisticated bespoke design” and parking with allocated spots for electric vehicles.

Jill McKnight, executive director of Delta Chamber of Commerce, said the casino and hotel will draw more people to Delta, but couldn’t estimate how many.

“That’s exciting, and we’re very happy about this facility bringing more people here,” McKnight said. “And we hope to turn that into further investment, whether it’s people visiting shops and other businesses here, overnight stays – the community needs this additional hotel. This facility will also offer additional space for events, which is also needed.”

In B.C., Gateway operates Cascades casinos in Langley, Kamloops and Penticton, in addition to other gaming properties including Starlight Casino in New Westminster. Across Canada, the 30-year-old company employs close to 7,000 people and features nearly 334 table games (including 27 poker tables), 13,555 slots, 91 food and beverage outlets and 561 hotel rooms.



tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram and follow Tom on Twitter



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news stories for the Surrey Now-Leader, where I've worked for more than half of my 30-plus years in the newspaper business.
Read more