Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited has announced that it will invest an estimated $18 million into renovations at its Hanover Casino at 275 Fifth Street and create up to 70 new jobs in the Municipality of Hanover.

The expanded casino will be re-branded as ‘Playtime Casino Hanover’ and will feature 300 slots and eight live table games (pending required approvals), and will be a showcase for Gateway's signature restaurant brands MATCH Eatery & Public House and The Buffet. The renovations are expected to be completed by December of this year.

Central to Gateway's success has been the development of proprietary casino and restaurant brands. The ‘Playtime’ brand is built around the design inspiration of ‘Play’ and will deliver to patrons a high energy and fun experience with an expanded footprint of 32,672 square feet with an additional 3,283 square foot mezzanine. The expanded Playtime Hanover will build on its reputation as a popular local entertainment destination that will now offer both gaming entertainment as well as a dining and entertainment experiences with two new restaurants – MATCH Eatery & Public House and the Buffet.

Gateway Casino's signature brand MATCH Eatery & Public House combines the welcoming and social traditions of a neighbourhood pub with the high energy and excitement of a sports bar. Whether it's the big game, a family celebration or just a social gathering with friends, MATCH Eatery & Public House provides a casual, upbeat atmosphere ideal for any occasion. The Buffett equally complements the MATCH experience with an emphasis on exceptional value and an ever-changing menu highlighting cuisine from around the world with something for every age and appetite.

"This is the beginning of a whole new gaming and entertainment experience for Hanover." said Linda McColl, general manager at Gateway Casinos, Playtime Hanover. "The Hanover, Bentinick & Brant Agricultural Society have been great partners in this venture making space available to us in the former proposed Carriage Hall banquet facility. I want to thank Randy Rier from the agricultural society and Rhonda Waechter from the raceway for their help in making this happen. I also want to thank Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson and CAO Brian Tocheri for their help and support as well for allowing us to proceed so quickly."

The investment in an expanded Hanover site follows the announcement of a new $36 million Cascades Casino to be built in Chatham-Kent and the $26 million renovation currently underway to transform Gateway Point Edward to Starlight Casino Point Edward.

Hanover Mayor Sue Paterson said, "On behalf of council, we are equally excited about Gateway's growth plans for Hanover. We believe Gateway couldn't have picked a better community in which to invest $18 million. We are particularly pleased to see that construction of the agricultural society's Carriage Hall project will be completed and that the partnership with the agricultural society remains strong. I also want to thank CAO Brian Tocheri, and chief building official and director of development Don Tedford for their help and support."

"It's exciting news to see the planned expansion of Gateway Casino. This investment will boost our local economy and create new jobs in our area. It's especially great to know that Carriage Hall will be completed and in partnership with the Hanover, Bentinick and Brant Agricultural Society, they will help to ensure the sustainability of this long-standing group as well as this attraction to Hanover for many years to come. I wish the best of success and prosperity to everyone involved," said Bill Walker, MPP, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

"The Ag Society is happy with Gateway and the jobs that will be coming to Hanover," said Randy Rier President of the Hanover, Bentinick & Brant Agricultural Society.

A commitment to responsible gambling is integral to how Gateway operates in Ontario including OLG's PlaySmart program. All Gateway properties in BC and Ontario hold RG Check accreditation. Together with OLG and other government partners, Gateway will continue to implement responsible gambling initiatives at all properties across Canada.

(Gateway Casinos & Entertainment)