Lindsay Ell Wins $100K for Charity Officially Unveiling The $1 Billion Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto in Vegas-Style Fashion
Brand new destination “a game changer” for Toronto
TORONTO (June 21, 2023) – The highly anticipated Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto officially opened its brand-new casino and multiple dining venues on Tuesday, June 20, with a dynamic inauguration ceremony. The landmark event was attended by multiple award-winning Canadian artist Lindsay Ell, notable dignitaries and industry leaders who hailed the resort as a “game changer” and a “very big deal” for Toronto.
Prominent figures in attendance included Stephen Crawford, MPP, Oakville and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, David Pridmore, Chief Gaming Officer, OLG, and, Vincent Crisanti, City of Toronto Councillor, Etobicoke North, who all delivered inspiring remarks during the festivities. They emphasized the significant economic impact of the $1 billion project, highlighting the projected economic impact of $500 million for the province. Via video message, The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario congratulated Great Canadian Entertainment.
Councillor Crisanti hailed the new entertainment district as transformative and recognized the outstanding economic benefits and community building opportunities in the region. He also presented Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson with a special commemorative city scroll congratulating Great Canadian Entertainment on the opening.
“Thank you for the opportunity to build this fantastic casino resort in one of the greatest cities in the world, the City of Toronto,” said Anfinson. “Today is just the beginning of a project that will continue to grow and evolve over the coming years.”
The event commenced with a breathtaking moment as a crimson theatrical drape dropped to the ground to reveal a massive Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto logo. Moments later, led by Ell, a marching band burst through the fabric directing guests inside and revealing the brand-new, modern gaming floor. Swirling lights provided an exciting invitation to enter the expansive casino, with the high-octane music leading everyone toward a roulette table. Courtesy of Great Canadian Entertainment, Ell placed the first-ever bet – $50,000 – on “black”. The crowd roared as luck was on her side, and she won $100,000.
In a moment reflecting the importance of social responsibility, it was announced that the entire $100,000 would be donated to a local charity of Ell’s choice, aligning with the resort’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
“I feel so lucky to be able to open this amazing resort and be part of the excitement in donating $100,000 to a very worthy cause,” said Ell. “This was one of the most fun things I’ve done, and I’m so happy to be part of it.”
Hundreds of people began lining up for a chance to be first into the new casino. When the doors officially opened to the public, guests streamed in, taking in the myriad gaming and culinary options remarking how impressive the resort is. By 5:15 pm, thousands of guests had flooded the gaming floor, finding their favourite slot machines and table games.
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto offers a world-class gaming experience that combines modern elegance with exceptional entertainment. The resort features 4,800 slot machines, 145 live table games including craps, blackjack, baccarat, Sic Bo and roulette. Additionally, guests can indulge in excellent dining options, and soon, luxurious accommodations, and a premier 5,000-person entertainment venue, ensuring a complete entertainment experience.
Together with our partner, Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG), we remain focused on promoting safe play at all our casinos. The new Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto features a PlaySmart Centre which provides players with gambling knowledge and tools to help build and maintain positive play habits, among other responsible gaming tools available to players throughout the gaming site.
The inauguration of Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto marks a significant milestone in Toronto’s entertainment landscape. With its stunning facilities, substantial economic contribution, and commitment to the community, the resort promises to become an iconic destination for residents and visitors alike. The inauguration has set the stage for a new era of excitement and entertainment in the city, solidifying Toronto’s position as a premier global destination.
Additional onsite venues, including The Hotel at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, which is now accepting reservations, and the highly anticipated 5,000-person The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, which will open in the coming months, brings Vegas-style panache to Canada’s newest and largest casino resort.
About Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto
Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, Canada’s newest and largest casino resort opened in June 2023. The $1B landmark entertainment destination features 328,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, 400-room hotel, indoor pool, wellness and fitness area, multiple dining options, private event and flexible meeting space, 5000-person live entertainment venue in association with Live Nation, which will play host to the best in live music, comedy, and special events. For more information please visit greatcandiantoronto.com or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
About Great Canadian Entertainment
Founded in 1982, Great Canadian Entertainment is Canada’s premier gaming and hospitality company with 25 gaming, entertainment, hospitality and resort facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Committed to investing in and offering opportunity to those in the communities in which it operates, Great Canadian supports over 1,400 charitable and non-profit organizations across Canada under its PROUD program; “PROUD of our people, our business, our community”. A significant portion of gross gaming revenue from Great Canadian’s gaming facilities is retained by Crown partners on behalf of their provincial governments for the purpose of supporting programs that benefit healthcare, education, and social services in Canada. To learn more, please visit www.greatcanadian.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
