Gambling operator Great Canadian Gaming Company has made considerable progress towards establishing a casino in the city of Belleville, Ontario. However, people with knowledge of the matter expressed concerns that the gambling property may have a negative effect on the potential expansion of the existing Thousand Islands Casino in the town of Gananoque.
The gaming company was authorized by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to take charge of the gambling venues in the East Gaming Bundle. The said bundle includes the above-mentioned Thousand Islands Casino and the Slots at Kawartha Downs in Fraserville, as well as the potential new casino in Belleville.
The new gambling facility is to be located on the city’s Bell Boulevard. Great Canadian has previously pointed out that the site is “a prime location” for its casino.
Under the terms of its agreement with the OLG, the gambling operator would take over the two existing gambling venues in the East Gaming Bundle on January 11. Commenting on the matter, OLG spokesman Tony Bitonti said that the properties’ transition is “going very well” and that the corporation is pleased with the progress in Belleville.
Chuck Keeling, Vice President for Great Canadian, told media that the construction of the Belleville casino is their top priority at present. The official also pointed out that they are now waiting for the results from geotechnical and environmental studies.
Commenting on the property’s location, Mr. Keeling said that he really likes it as it would help the company achieve its goal to attract more gambling customers not only from the city but also from the surrounding region.
Great Canadian had to pay the amount of C$50.4 million for the right to run the East Gaming Bundle casinos. The gaming company has previously said that it would spend up to C$41 million for the establishment of the Belleville casino.
As mentioned above, the company considers the construction of the new gaming facility its top priority. Thus, the expansion of the existing Thousand Island Casino in Gananoque may be delayed. Great Canadian has said that it would spend about C$13 million on renovating the gaming venue. However, it has pointed out that the money would go for renovations solely and not for expansion. The gambling operator is also planning to put some effort in improving its Kawartha Downs property.
