A spokesman for Gateway Casinos has gone on the record as saying that slot machines will remain at Dresden Raceway until at least 2020. The statement comes amid comments from municipal officials that indicate that Gateway is planning to eventually relocate its Dresden gaming operations to Chatham.

An article by Chatham This Week has quoted Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope as rhetorically asking whether Gateway is planning to move its Dresden operations to Chatham. “Is it part of their game plan? I would say ‘yes.’”

North Kent Councillor Joe Faas has stated that, “I’m not sure of all the plans, but as I understand it, they’ve made the decision that they’re looking at a site in Chatham and relocating there,” adding, “I’m not sure that a site has been chosen yet.”

In his comments, fellow North Kent Councillor Leon Leclair seconded Faas’ claim, stating, “I don’t know a lot and I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but it’s going to end up transitioning into Chatham.”

According to Hope, Gateway has made its intentions relatively well known. “I think what they did is they communicated to the workers, they communicated to the community and they communicated to the local councillors about an intent – an intent – but it’s up to the private company that now has operational jurisdiction over the casino,” said Hope.

When asked about the potential relocation, an Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. spokesperson declined to comment on the issue, and instead advised that the query should be directed at Gateway.

A gaming relocation from Dresden to a new home in Chatham would require approvals at the municipal level and with the OLG.

“Nothing is final until it’s final,” Leclair was quoted as saying. “It doesn’t look good, but you never know.”

News of the potential relocation comes as Gateway is in discussions with the Western Fair District about the future of gaming and potential expansion at the London, Ont. fairgrounds.

(With files from Chatham This Week)