Located in the scenic city of Sarnia, Ontario, Gateway Casinos Sarnia offers an exciting gaming experience to its visitors. With a wide range of slot machines, a rewards program, and various amenities nearby, this casino is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about Gateway Casinos Sarnia, so you can make the most of your visit.
Casino Overview
Gateway Casinos Sarnia is a 53,000-square-foot facility that houses a gaming floor of approximately 22,000 square feet. The casino currently features over 150 slot machines, providing visitors with a thrilling gaming experience. The casino is part of the Hiawatha Horse Park & Entertainment Centre and is easily accessible to the local community and visitors.
Slot Machines
The casino offers a diverse selection of slot machines, developed by industry-leading providers such as WMS, PlayAGS, Aristocrat, and IGT. With spins ranging from one cent to $5, you can try your luck at a variety of three-reel and five-reel slots. Some popular titles available at Gateway Casinos Sarnia include:
- Lightning Link
- Dancing Drums
- Cleopatra Gold
- Buffalo Gold
- Tarzan
- Quick Hits
- Blazing 7s
- Wheel of Fortune
Although the casino currently only offers video slots, you can visit other Gateway properties in Ontario for table games. The nearest option is Starlight Casino Point Edward, located just nine kilometers away, offering an array of popular table games.
My Club Rewards Program
All Gateway properties, including Gateway Casinos Sarnia, participate in the My Club Rewards program. By playing games, members can collect points that can be used for free play. Additionally, club members have access to several benefits, such as:
- Exclusive promotions
- Great dining offers
- Access to special events
- Complimentary hotel stays
To earn one tier point, you need to wager 20 on video poker, or $40 on e-table games. The number of points you collect during a single year determines your membership level, which includes:
- Rewards level
- Silver level
- Gold level
- Elite level
- Ultra level
Joining the program is free, and every new member automatically reaches the basic rewards level. To progress through levels, you need to collect tier points by playing games. For instance, you need 1,000+ TPs to reach the silver level and 5,000+ points for the gold level. The elite level requires 25,000+ TPs, while the ultra level is invite-only.
Horse Racing at Hiawatha Horse Park
Hiawatha Horse Park offers a range of activities, including harness racing, simulcast racing, a golf range, and beach volleyball. The property also hosts special events such as weddings, parties, and conferences.
If you're interested in horse racing, be sure to check the schedule of upcoming races. The Range is a golf facility featuring 27 fully automated tees and an expansive grass tee deck. Beach volleyball is popular in the area, and Hiawatha Horse Park has six courts, two baseball diamonds, and a go-karting track.
Gateway Casinos Sarnia Amenities
Hotels near Gateway Casinos Sarnia
Although neither Gateway Casinos Sarnia nor Hiawatha Horse Park offers on-site accommodations, there are plenty of options within walking distance. The closest places to stay include The Gables Inn, Palace Inn Motel, and Fauld's Motel Sarnia. The Versatile Inn Hotel Sarnia is a two-star hotel located just outside the park.
If you don't mind a short walk or drive to the park and casino, additional options in Sarnia include the Chipican Motel, Hampton Inn by Hilton, Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, Harbourfront Inn, Super 8 by Wyndham Sarnia, and Insignia, Ascend Hotel Collection. Staying at one of these venues also puts you close to Starlight Casino Point Edward, located at 2000 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward.
Dining Options
The Express Bar is the only dining venue within Gateway Casinos Sarnia. As one of the licensed Gateway restaurant chains, its menu is inspired by the more popular chain, Match Eatery and Public House.
Gateway Casinos Sarnia History
The Hiawatha Horse Park & Entertainment Centre opened in 1990 and has operated successfully ever since. In 1999, the property introduced slots, but they were shut down in 2012, leading to an eight-year gap for casino games.
In 2018, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited, a prominent casino operator in Ontario, gained the license to offer casino games at the horse park. This marked the official start of Gateway Casinos Sarnia. Sarnia's City Council approved the operations after Gateway and the government reached an agreement. Gateway renovated the casino floor, giving it a modern and fresh look.
Gateway has invested heavily in rejuvenating various gambling properties across Ontario, spending 36 million on Cascades Casino Chatham. The casino provided job opportunities for 60 people upon opening and has been operating successfully since January 30, 2020.
Is Gateway Casinos Sarnia Worth a Visit?
If you're in Ontario and passing through Sarnia, Gateway Casinos Sarnia is worth a visit, especially if you enjoy trying your luck at slot machines. Moreover, if you're a fan of harness racing, you'll love the Hiawatha Horse Park & Entertainment Centre, which the casino is part of.
However, if you're seeking the best possible casino experience in the area, Starlight Casino Point Edward may be a better choice. Located just nine kilometers away from the Sarnia casino, it offers a range of table games that are currently missing in Sarnia.