Grand Villa Casino – Open for business

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Grand Villa Casino


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December 2008

Last November, Grand Villa Casino opened for business. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, on the outskirts of Vancouver, Grand Villa Casino is now B.C.’s largest casino and multi-entertainment centre.

Dave Gadhia, has been with Gateway Casinos & Entertainment since its inception in 1992. Joining the company as a controller, he is now the Chief Executive Officer and has served as a director on numerous public and private boards. Having been awarded the Canadian Gaming News’ Outstanding Achievement Award and the Business In Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, he is also a director with the Canadian Gaming Association.

Gadhia remarks, “Our partnership with the BCLC has been instrumental in the development of this world-class facility.” He continues, “It’s all part of our commitment to position Gateway Casinos as the leader in the gaming industry.” The casino represents an investment of over $180 million and will certainly enhance an already thriving casino environment in the province.

Operating at a sprawling 100,000 square feet, the gaming area is spread over two floors and boasts nearly 1000 state-of-the-art slots. Grand Villa Casino is also the first casino in B.C. to feature a five-reel video slot, multi-game slots and offer slots with dual 20/20 HD monitors.

Not only will the casino’s gaming floor, which also features 50 gaming tables and three exclusive Club and VIP rooms, it will also cater to discerning clients in the many restaurants and bars as well as a busy show lounge with its own bar and dining area. In the spring of 2009, Delta Hotels will open a 200-room hotel, conference centre and ballroom. The ballroom will be the largest in Burnaby and will accommodate up to 800 guests.

Grand Villa Casino’s operator, Gateway Casinos, is also headquartered in Burnaby and is one of the largest casino operators in Canada. With over 3400 employees, the company now operates nine casinos in both British Columbia and Alberta. Working with Gateway on their most recent project is BCLC, a provincial Crown Corporation, which has assisted nearly 7000 community and charitable organizations through various communities. BCLC conducts and manages casino, bingo and lottery gaming activities in B.C. and has several contracts with service providers to provide day-to-day operational services for its gaming facilities. BCLC is also an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Michael Graydon, President and CEO of BCLC notes, “BCLC’s vision is to have better gaming facilities with all the amenities that our players are looking for, from the most popular games to full-service restaurants and the finest in the show lounge entertainment. Grand Villa exemplifies this vision and we are proud to introduce such a first-class entertainment facility to Burnaby and Metro Vancouver.”

Key highlights of the property promises to offer guests “the perfect combination of elegance, upscale design, and down-to-earth fun. It’s guaranteed to be great entertainment at its absolute best,” notes Monique Wilberg, Executive Vice President of Gateway Casinos. The casino’s rustic hues, large marble columns and overall architectural impact bring to mind a traditional Italian villa.

With mountain views of the North Shore featured throughout the facility, many elements from nature have been featured indoors. Centro, an eating area, presents à la carte appetizers and desserts amid a cascading indoor waterfall. Alpina Wine Bar and fine dining restaurant, EBo, offers intimacy and relaxation featuring B.C.’s great wines and local microbrews. EBo, under the guidance of Executive Chef Patrick Sinclair, has menus that tempt customers with the province’s best West Coast cuisine infused with an Asian flair.

Scala Show Lounge features complimentary live entertainment by local and emerging talent from Vancouver’s bustling music and entertainment scene. Appetito Food Court presents options for a quick bite while at the casino offering an array of dining options and snacks.

With the 2010 Olympic Games on the horizon, Grand Villa Casino will be on the world stage as a destination for visitors. As an Official Sponsor, BCLC, together with Gateway Casinos & Entertainment will, without doubt, create an atmosphere of unprecedented excellence as momentum begins to ramp up for the crush of visitors.

By Lucie Grys