Located in the heart of Woodstock, Ontario, Gateway Casinos Woodstock is a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts and tourists alike. This casino, part of the Gateway Casinos and Entertainment group, offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, electronic table games, and a rewards program. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of Gateway Casinos Woodstock, from its gaming options and promotions to its amenities, history, and recent events.
Gaming Options at Gateway Casinos Woodstock
Gateway Casinos Woodstock provides an exciting gaming experience for its visitors with a mix of slot machines, electronic table games, and a rewards program. Let's take a closer look at the gaming options available at this casino.
Slot Machines
With a selection of 286 slot games and an assortment of video poker machines, Gateway Casinos Woodstock offers a diverse gaming experience for its patrons. Some of the most popular slot games available at this casino include:
- Bonnie and Clyde
- Double Diamond Free Games
- 5 Dragons Gold
- Golden Festival
- Twin Fire Featuring Quick Hit and Hot Shot
- Ultra Stack Rising Dragon
These top modern titles offer vivid graphics and smooth gameplay, ensuring an enjoyable gambling experience. The casino regularly updates its games library, adding new titles periodically. The slot machines cater to a wide range of players, from casual penny slot enthusiasts to high-rollers willing to spend $25 or more per pull.
Electronic Table Games
In addition to its slot machines, Gateway Casinos Woodstock also features electronic table games, including Black Jack, Roulette, and Baccarat. These electronic tables provide a convenient and engaging gaming experience for players who enjoy traditional casino table games.
Video Poker
Although there are no dedicated poker tables at Gateway Casinos Woodstock, poker enthusiasts can still enjoy high-quality video poker games provided by VideoPoker.com. Some of the most popular video poker games include Bonus Poker Deluxe, Double Double Bonus Poker, and Deuces Wild, which are available in triple-play, five-play, and ten-play varieties.
My Club Rewards at Gateway Casinos Woodstock
The My Club Rewards program is a rewards system featured at multiple Ontario casinos operated by Gateway Casinos & Entertainment. Members of this program can earn tier points that allow them to progress to higher membership levels, and redeem reward points for free play at select video slot games.
Players earn points by playing games, with one point earned for every 20 wagered on video poker. Points can also be earned for every $40 wagered on electronic table games if available at the casino.
The My Club Rewards program offers various benefits for its members, such as restaurant discounts, special tournament entries, exclusive birthday offers, giveaways, invites to events, and concert offers. Higher tier members can also enjoy additional perks like main entrance valet, hotel valet, priority hotel check-in, and priority seating at the restaurant.
There are five tier levels in My Club Rewards:
- Rewards (0-999 points)
- Silver (1,000-4,999 points)
- Gold (5,000-24,999 points)
- Elite (25,000+ points)
- Ultra (invite only)
Membership levels are calculated based on tier points accumulated over a year, from April 1 to March 31.
Promotions at Gateway Casinos Woodstock
Gateway Casinos Woodstock offers various promotions and events for its patrons. One such promotion is the weekly Winning Wheels draws, which offer cash prizes, gas cards, and other physical prizes. Players can also participate in the My Club Rewards program across all Gateway Casinos & Entertainment properties in Ontario, benefiting from the rewards and promotions available at each location.
Amenities and Attractions Near Gateway Casinos Woodstock
While visiting Gateway Casinos Woodstock, guests can also explore nearby attractions and amenities. Here are some of the highlights:
Hotels Near Gateway Casinos Woodstock
As a relatively small casino, Gateway Woodstock does not have on-site accommodations. However, several nearby hotels can provide lodging for visitors. Some notable options include Days Inn by Wyndham, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, and Best Western Plus Inn & Suites, all conveniently located just off MacDonald Cartier Freeway and minutes from the casino. For more modest accommodations, consider Westmount Motel, Chateau la Motte Guest House, or Huntington Trail Woodstock.
Dining Options
Gateway Casinos Woodstock features a single restaurant, Gateway Express, which offers a versatile menu of sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials. Guests can enjoy dishes like roast beef, fried chicken, honey garlic stir fry, and wings, along with a variety of beverages, including premium shots, bottled beer, house wine, and cocktails.
History of Gateway Casinos Woodstock
The Woodstock Raceway opened in 1951 and underwent several renovations over the years, eventually hosting 31 racing nights by 1975 with an average nightly attendance of over 1,300. In 1999, the racetrack was acquired by Windsor Raceway, and that same year, the Slots Casino operated by the Ontario Lottery Corp was added to the venue.
In May 2017, Gateway Casinos & Entertainment purchased the casino along with several other Ontario facilities, renaming it from OLG Slots at Woodstock Raceway to Gateway Casinos Woodstock. Under Gateway's ownership, the casino received new gambling machines, and the restaurant underwent renovations.
Today, Gateway Casinos Woodstock features nearly 300 video slots and video poker machines, making it a popular destination for local Ontarians and US tourists near the border.
Recent Events at Gateway Casinos Woodstock
Gateway Casinos Woodstock has experienced some recent events that have impacted its operations. In April 2023, a cyberattack on the company's IT systems led to a temporary closure of all 14 Gateway Casinos properties in Ontario. The casinos remained closed for more than a week, with Gateway working to resolve the issue and restore their IT systems.
The cyberattack came during the Canadian gaming industry's COVID-19 recovery, resulting in significant losses for both the casino operator and the Ontario government. Despite this setback, the Canadian gaming market remains resilient, and Gateway Casinos Woodstock continues to be a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Gateway Casinos Woodstock offers a diverse and exciting gaming experience for its visitors, with a variety of slot machines, electronic table games, and a rewards program. Along with its gaming options, the casino provides a range of amenities and attractions, including nearby hotels and a restaurant. Despite recent challenges due to a cyberattack, Gateway Casinos Woodstock remains a popular destination for both local and international gaming enthusiasts.