Western Fair Slots to be operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment

Meet the new boss. British Columbia based Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited has been awarded the contract to operate slot parlors around the region, including the Western Fair District.

Gateway will also run the Point Edward Casino along with OLG Slots in Clinton, Dresden, Hanover, and Woodstock.

The organization is also taking control of three operations in northern Ontario.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has been searching for operators to lease facilities across the province as it looks to modernize.

The transition will take place sometime in the spring of 2017.

"We are very excited and pleased to partner with OLG in the modernization of Ontario's gaming industry. In Northern and Southwestern Ontario, Gateway will work with host communities to bring our unique brands and experiences to customers. On behalf of the 4,000 Gateway employees, we look forward to welcoming OLG colleagues to our team," said Tony Santo, Gateway CEO in a news release.

Gateway signed a business transition and asset purchase agreement with OLG on Monday and will operate the facilities for the next 20 years.

Operating out of western Canada, Gateway has over 4000 employees and operates 18 gaming properties with 222 tables and over 6700 slot machines.