Gateway Casino and Entertainment has announced it has acquired Chances Casino Kamloops, continuing its growth strategy and cementing its monopoly in the city in the process.

Taking over the day to day operations of the establishment immediately, Gateway becomes the sole gaming provider in the Canadian region, as the operator of both Cascades Casino Kamloops, opened in August 2015, and Chances Kamloops.

This latest purchase forms the next step on the companies growth ambitions, which has seen Gateway expand its footprint across Canada with their proprietary casino and restaurant brands.

This has seen a renovation and rebrand completed in Kelowna to Playtime Casino Kelowna in March 2018, whilst also opening Cascades Casino Penticton in 2017.

With the addition of Chances Kamloops, Gateway now operates 26 properties in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario with approximately 8,600 employees.

“This is an exciting day for everyone at Gateway as we welcome Chances Kamloops and their employees to the Gateway family. I’d like to thank the Hart Family for their commitment to the Kamloops communities, and we look forward to working with them on a smooth transition,” stated Tony Santo, CEO of Gateway.

This follows British Columbia Lottery Corporation giving Gateway the green light regarding a proposed $70m Cascades Casino Delta entertainment destination.

Designed to house 500 slots and 24 table games, the new casino is expected to open in 2020, and following the issuing of regulatory approvals, the BCLC detail that they have provided The City of Delta with the final go-ahead on the facility.

This follows an extensive review of the opportunity, considering issues such as health impacts, with design of the new property also reflecting several points of feedback from the public.

Final approval also arose after a objection was filed by the City of Richmond, citing crime, traffic and transportation concerns, triggering the appointment on a independent, third-party mediator to address issues raised.