The construction finish line is coming up fast on the city’s biggest ever entertainment destination.
On Tuesday, Gateway Casinos invited the media and local business leaders for a tour inside their 165,000-square-foot Cascades Casino Delta where trade workers are busy putting the finishing touches on the massive project that broke ground back in 2018. While the company is not comfortable yet to provide a firm grand opening date, the doors will be open within the next month.
“We’re going to soon announce the official opening but it will be by the end of September,” said Rowland England, Gateway Casinos’ vice-president of operations, BC West. “Everything is on course for that opening date.”
England emphasized playing the slot machines or tables will be just a part of the Cascades Casino Delta experience that has been designed for the whole family to enjoy.
The tour included stops in two of Gateway’s signature brand restaurants — Match Eatery & Public House and The Buffet. On the upper level is a ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 guests for just about everything.
“It’s entertainment. That’s what Gateway is all about,” England continued. “The slots and tables aspect is just one piece of it. The restaurants, the atmosphere, the bands that we will put on are all a part of the entertainment experience. That’s why most of our food and beverage options are off the game floor so it’s family friendly. You will be able to come in here at any time and enjoy it and then maybe come back here later without your children.”
Cascades Casino Delta’s food and beverage manager Rick Tite hinted The Buffet will feature ethnic theme nights while Match Eatery has indoor and outdoor dining options and also includes an adjoining private party “Bud Room,” complete with its own pool table.
Workers were busy unpacking and installing the 500 slot machines that should be ready for testing by the end of the week. The 28,000-square-foot gaming floor will also feature 18 table games and a stadium gaming area.
“We have about two dozen stadium terminals which is kind of an evolution of slot and table and it gives players a different way to play these games on the big screen,” said Dan Beebe, chief operation officer of BC Lottery Corporation. “The (500) slots are being arranged in themes so people don’t get confused and they will know where to go quickly.”
The adjoining five-storey Delta Marriott Hotel will be the biggest of its kind in the city with 125 rooms. It’s expected to open soon after the casino.
“It’s a resort destination. A great place to come out and have fun for the night,” added Martyn Kelly, Cascades Casino Delta’s general manager. “I guess this is my baby. There will be a few tough months ahead of us (with the opening challenges) but it’s all going to be worth it in the end.”
A virtual job fair is currently underway to fill up to 600 part-time and full-time positions.
The casino parking lot can accommodate up to 800 cars.
To prepare for the grand opening, Gateway continues to focus on the hiring process in Delta. The priority is to create a strong team to operate the gaming floor and manage the new food & beverage offerings including, but not limited to, Table Games Dealers, Slot Attendants, Cashiers & Count Team Members, Security Officer, Chefs & Cooks, Servers and Bartenders. Hospitality and administration staff are also needed.
To explore a career with Cascades Casino Delta and Gateway Casinos visit: www.gatewaycasinos.com/Careers.
Job Fairs are happening today and tomorrow, as well as several evening sessions scheduled for next week.
They include:
Wednesday (Aug. 24) until 4 p.m. at Delta Chamber of Commerce (6201 60th Avenue) for food and beverage operations positions.
Thursday (Aug. 25) from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Ladner WorkBC Office (4899 Delta Street) for dealers, security positions and casino operation positions.
