Gateway Casinos celebrates 25 years in Sudbury

The casino at Sudbury Downs in Chelmsford opened 25 years ago on Nov. 26, 1999. (File)

News — Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is celebrating a silver anniversary in Sudbury.

The casino at Sudbury Downs in Chelmsford opened 25 years ago on Nov. 26, 1999.

"To celebrate this milestone Gateway is donating $2,500 to Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury and devoting the entire day at the casino to recognizing our regular patrons and guests with a variety of commemorative gifts and promotions as well as live entertainment," Gateway said in a news release Tuesday.

"Over the course of the last quarter century the casino has contributed more than $50 million in revenue to the city through the OLG’s Municipal Contribution Agreement Program."

That includes more than $1 million so far this year.

"Today we are celebrating 25 years providing gaming entertainment to the people of Sudbury and the many out of town visitors who come to enjoy this region every summer and throughout the year," Jim Love, GM at Gateway Casinos Sudbury, said in the release.

"We continue to be a successful business and attraction for the city because of our remarkable and dedicated staff."

Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre also sent his congratulations.

"The Gateway team has consistently supported a number of excellent charities and initiatives across our community over the years, like the Sudbury Food Bank and CTV Lions Children’s Christmas Telethon and I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team for being great community partners along the way," Lefebvre said in the release.

Since 2017, Gateway said it has donated $67,723 to 42 charitable organizations across the city.

Love said that 19 employees still working at the casino started work on Day 1 25 years ago.

"That’s an achievement in itself and testament to the kinds of careers the casino can offer," he said.