On Thursday, May 19, patrons of the OLG Slots area at Woodbine Racetrack ended a long wait as the ribbon was cut to officially open the new 18,000 square-foot addition to the gaming area

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Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation Acting CEO Tom Marinelli, Senior Vice President of Gaming Larry Flynn, along with OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack General Manager Dan Gall participated in the grand opening with Woodbine Entertainment Group President and CEO Nick Eaves and Etobicoke North MPP, Dr. Shafiq Qaadri.

Patrons were welcomed by a larger, vibrant, and modern gaming area with hundreds more state-of-the-art slot machines. Natural wood and stone finishes, reflecting Ontario's woodlands and the Canadian Shield, along with lustrous metal accents, surround the new expanded gaming area.

"With more than 50 million customer visits over the last 11 years, it is clear, OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack is a very popular gaming site," said Flynn. "So when our patrons asked for more slots, we listened and we are confident they will be pleased with what they experience here."

In addition to the new slot machines, the newly expanded gaming area also features:

• An exclusive VIP playing area and private lounge.
• New food and beverage services including:
• An invigorated Willows Restaurant featuring a new a la carte menu and extensive buffet offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• By popular request, a new Noodle Bar with freshly prepared food made in front of patrons.
• The gleaming new second entrance is closer to the west parking area.

Upgrading the food and beverage services was completed in co-operation with WEG. "For more than a decade, the Woodbine Entertainment Group and OLG [have] worked together to provide first-class service to our customers," said Eaves. "We are certain this new gaming area, along with the new offerings at Willows Restaurant and unique Noodle Bar will provide OLG Slot customers more great options during their visit."

Since opening in March 2000, OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack has contributed more than $162 million in gaming revenue to Toronto. The gaming facility now employs more than 715 people.

"This facility brings jobs to our community and the millions of dollars provided to Toronto also improve the local economy. The expansion is expected to provide even more support in the years to come," said Dr. Qaadri. "The solid partnership between OLG and the City of Toronto continues to strengthen the community."

While patrons enjoy the newly expanded gaming floor, work to improve the slot facility will continue. Crews will soon begin to refresh the original gaming floor. This will be done in several phases over the next 18 months. When complete, OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack will have a total of three thousand slot machines. OLG thanks all patrons for their patience and support during these additional improvements.

(OLG)