Gateway Casinos marks 25 years in Thunder Bay

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is celebrating its silver anniversary in Thunder Bay on Aug. 28. (File)

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is celebrating its silver anniversary in Thunder Bay on Aug. 28.

To celebrate the milestone, Gateway is donating $2,500 to Paws for Love in Thunder Bay.

In a news release Wednesday, the casino said it is “also devoting the entire day to recognizing our valued patrons and guests with a variety of promotions, a souvenir gift and other festivities.”

“Over the course of the last 25 years, the casino has contributed more than $58 million in revenue to the city through the OLG’s Municipality Contribution Agreement Program,” the release said.

Those payments totalled almost $3 million in the last year.

“Today we are celebrating 25 years providing gaming entertainment to the people of Thunder Bay and the many out-of-town visitors who come throughout the year,” casino GM Sandie Delorme said in the release.

Mayor sends congratulations

“We continue to be a successful business and attraction for the city because of our remarkable and dedicated staff,” Delorme added, herself a 25-year employee at the Thunder Bay casino.

Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff, who was also mayor when the casino opened in 2000, added his congratulations.

“Since opening its doors, the casino has contributed millions in funding that has directly supported important local projects and non-profits,” Boshcoff said in the release.

“I was honoured to be there as mayor on opening day 25 years ago, and I’m just as proud to celebrate this milestone today.”

Since 2017, the company’s community and charitable giving program has donated more than $78,000 and donations of food and personal care items to charities in Thunder Bay.

The casino has contributed to more than 30 charitable organizations across the city.

“There are a remarkable number of employees that are still with us since that opening day 25 years ago,” Delorme said.

36 workers have been there since 2000

“In fact, we have 36 original employees still working at the casino after a quarter century. That’s an achievement in itself and testament to the kinds of careers the casino can offer.”

“Not everyone can confidently say that they love their job, but I can,” said Bryan Dorval, who has been with the casino since it opened.

“I have had a fantastic time working in this industry, from my first days as a count attendant in Sault Ste. Marie to now being a guest services supervisor here in Thunder Bay. It is the people I have met and worked with that have made Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay one of the best places to work. I not only have friends here -- I have family.”

“The best part is watching the people, the friends I have made grow, get married and have kids,” added food and beverage manager Helen Cerilli.

“I was part of families I didn’t even know I had.”

“I started back in 2000 in the table games department as a dealer. Before long, I had moved up to supervisor and then a dual pit manager,” said Jenn Alton, cage and coin supervisor.

“I loved the energy, the pace, and the people. During that time, I also spent many hours training new dealers, helping new team members learn the ropes and build their confidence.”