2020 is when local residents could be playing the slots or sitting down at a live gaming table in North Bay.

Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited has put in an offer for land on Eloy Road and Highway 17 West for their gaming facility.

Communications & Public Affairs Director Rob Mitchell says the land has everything they’re looking for.

“It’s a good site for us, parking is always important for our patrons. It’s just a good location for us, it’s close to town, it’s on the highway, it’s accessible,” he says.

Mitchell says once the sale goes through they’ll reveal their architectural drawings and plans for the site.

“We’re really excited to be coming to North Bay,” he says. “It’s going to be a really dynamic, new entertainment destination for the community and surrounding area.”

Timelines for an opening are still a rough estimate at this point.

“I would say 2020, hopefully sooner. There are always some variables in construction, if the weather co-operates and we get the materials and the plans, it could be sooner. But, I think we’re probably looking at about 18 to 24 months in the build,” Mitchell says.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming previously announced the maximum number of live gaming table positions in North Bay would be 120 with a maximum of 300 slot machines.

Last spring Gateway signed a 20-year Casino Operating and Services agreement with OLG, involving the North Gaming Bundle.

Filed under: Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited