Gateway Sarnia and Slots at Kawartha Downs Closing
Gateway Sarnia and Slots at Kawartha Downs Closing
💖 The Final Hand: Two Beloved Casino Locations Will be taking thier final Bow, going into Retirement and Upgrading Their Address 💖
Darlings, today we speak of a delicate transition. I’ve seen the bright lights and the velvet ropes, and while I adore glamour, Dame Lucky never forgets the heart behind the hustle.
The OLG has delivered a strategic mandate: Gateway Casinos Sarnia and Shorelines Slots at Kawartha Downs are making their exit by March 31, 2026.
These beloved spots were simply fulfilling their duty under a temporary contract that has now expired.
They are making a graceful exit—what I call a well-deserved retirement—to make room for the new, spectacular resorts that will carry the torch for the future of Ontario gaming.
The House Always Wins... By Consolidating
The real story here is progress. These old locations are simply feeding their players and their revenue into newer, spectacular resorts just minutes away.
Closing Venue New Destination Hub Proximity
Sarnia Starlight Starlight Casino Point Edward ~5 minutes
Kawartha Downs Shorelines Casino Peterborough ~10–13 minutes
What Happens to the Land at Kawartha Downs?
While the slots are leaving, the Kawartha Downs land isn’t fading away. The property owner has a grand vision—a Revitalization Plan to transform the site into a multi-use complex:
The Track Stays: The heart of the property will remain focused on racing, with a commitment to year-round harness racing. The property’s owners are dedicated to keeping this long-standing tradition alive.
New Community: The site is planned for significant residential development, including the construction of various housing types like singles, semis, and townhouses.
New Entertainment Hub: The land will be repurposed to create a new commercial and community center, featuring:
A Large-Scale Concert Venue
A Hotel to boost local tourism
An Agricultural Fairground
What Happens to the Land at Gateway Sarnia?
The Gateway Sarnia casino is a tenant on the grounds of the Hiawatha Horse Park and Entertainment Centre.
When the slots move out in 2026, the focus will return squarely to the Park’s original identity:
The Racetrack Stays: Hiawatha Horse Park’s owner has confirmed the intention to continue horse racing operations, despite the loss of casino revenue. They plan to adjust, as the track successfully operated without slots for eight years in the past.
New Opportunities: The property is extensive (over 160 acres), and the owner plans to explore new tenants and development opportunities for the space being vacated. The goal is to find a new ”anchor” to support the property and the horse racing industry.
The Good News:
The biggest worry is jobs, but I have it on good authority that the best talent is getting a golden ticket.
Core casino staff at both sites are highly likely to be offered priority transfers and new roles at the upgraded, nearby locations.
The operators know a good dealer when they see one; they won’t let experienced talent walk away.
This strategic retirement allows the OLG to focus on high-amenity destinations that generate bigger economic returns.
The local communities lose a small stream of revenue, yes, but the regional gaming hubs are set for a brilliant jackpot.
This isn’t an ending, my dears. It’s an upgrade. So don’t look back; your next spectacular night out is just a short, glamorous drive away!
Until next time, Darlin... I Hope you Hit the Jackpot