Great Canadian Entertainment has unveiled an exciting new live entertainment and events venue at the Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel in Ontario. The venue boasts an impressive open cell ceiling grid spanning approximately 4.4 meters and has a capacity for nearly 800 attendees. This addition underscores the commitment of Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel to providing comprehensive entertainment experiences and further enhancing the appeal of this dynamic property.
Venue Features and Overview:
The newly opened live entertainment and events space is strategically designed to accommodate diverse events, offering a flexible environment for various occasions. With a spacious capacity of nearly 800 people, the venue features a striking open cell ceiling grid, creating a visually appealing and immersive atmosphere for attendees. Stella Gallant, the general manager at Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel, expressed enthusiasm about the introduction of this exciting venue, emphasizing its role in delivering top-notch entertainment and event experiences.
Location and Property Background:
Situated on the land of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation near Lake Scugog in Durham Region, the Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel has been a landmark since its opening in 1999. The property boasts 600 slot machines, 16 table games, 10 electronic table games, and a poker room, providing a diverse range of gaming options for visitors. The hotel component features 116 well-appointed rooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
Expansion and Developments:
In November, the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, a billion-dollar property inaugurated in June 2023, celebrated the full opening of its poker room. The room, equipped with electronic table games and slots, caters to a wide range of preferences with both No Limit and Limit stakes at varying levels. A semi-private area is also available for those seeking a more exclusive gaming experience. Aces Kitchen, operated by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, complements the gaming offerings by providing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
Ontario iGaming Market Performance:
The iGaming Ontario (iGO) market performance report for the third quarter of the 2023-2024 fiscal year reveals impressive figures. Wagers in the Ontario iGaming market reached CAD$17.2 billion from October 1 to December 31, 2023, marking a notable 21.1% increase compared to the second quarter of the financial year and a substantial 49.1% surge year-on-year. Gaming revenue also experienced significant growth, reaching CAD$658 million, representing a 22% increase over Q2 and a remarkable 44% rise compared to the same period in 2022.
Breakdown of iGaming Activities:
Analyzing the total wagers, online casino activities dominated the market, accounting for CAD$13.7 billion or 79% of the total. Betting activities contributed CAD$3.1 billion to the overall wagers, while peer-to-peer poker generated CAD$431 million. The surge in online casino wagers highlights the growing popularity of digital gaming platforms in Ontario.
Great Canadian Entertainment’s new live entertainment and events venue at the Great Blue Heron Casino & Hotel marks a significant milestone in providing a multifaceted entertainment experience for visitors. The expansion and developments at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto further contribute to the diverse offerings within the region. As the iGaming Ontario market continues to thrive, these establishments are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive entertainment experiences in the province.