THUNDER BAY -- Gateway Casinos wants to introduce itself to Thunder Bay with a bang.
The British Columbia-based company last December signed a 20-year operating agreement with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and on Thursday held its first customer appreciation day.
“Today launches our official welcome to our customers here in Thunder Bay,” said Jordi Psikla, the casino’s general manager.
The day featured a variety of activities to get patrons involved with the change of scenery at the casino, such as T-shirt giveaways, cake cutting and a live DJ.
“We’ve been planning, for a number of years, to ensure that when we take over we can offer that high level of customer service that (OLG) was accustomed to.”
Psikla said customers will gradually see a change in the operations at the casino.
In May the company announced it plans to undertake an ambitious growth strategy to attract new customers, including the development of proprietary food and beverage brands, and a new gaming management system.
“Right now we’re just focused on making sure things go over smoothly.”
Psikla added a “significant construction project” will include new signage, which is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.
The company will invest over $100 million in its operations across Northern Ontario.
