Fans of the Hard Rock Vancouver will soon find the property bearing a new name and some new additions as well. In a move to further promote the company’s brand, Great Canadian Entertainment is rebranding the property as Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, effective December 2023.
This move follows another recent rebranding using that moniker with the transformation of the former Casino Woodbine into Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, “demonstrating the company’s commitment to delivering unique and memorable experiences for its guests,” as the company says.
In other Canadian gaming news, Ontario gaming officials announced payouts for varying partners and communities last week.
Details on Great Canadian Vancouver Move
Great Canadian Entertainment was founded in 1982 and is Canada’s leading gaming and hospitality company. The corporation owns and operates 25 casino and gaming facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
The latest move in renaming the Vancouver property is in line with recent efforts to build recognizable proprietary brands for Canadian customers, in both the casino and dining spaces. Beyond the “Great Canadian” casino brand, the company also makes use of the “Elements”, “Shorelines”, and “Chances” names at varying properties across the country.
Great Canadian Casino Vancouver will now be among the company’s flagship properties, “exemplifying the highest standards of gaming, entertainment, and service.” But the rebrand goes beyond simply a name change.
Company officials say the refreshed casino will offer a wide selection of games, from classic table games to the latest slots. Additionally, new high-limit private gaming rooms are also in the works. Great Canadian is also promising a series of performances at The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Vancouver as part of the rebranding.
The entertainment venue is programmed in collaboration with Live Nation Canada and the upcoming shows will highlight a diverse group of artists and performers to offer exceptional live entertainment experiences, the company notes.
Great Canadian also recently announced that the Vancouver property will soon be home to a new Gordon Ramsay Burger, which will open this winter. The company announced a deal with the renowned Michelin-starred chef earlier this year. This new culinary offering will offer a casual dining experience, combining the high-quality ingredients with Ramsay’s signature flair.
Company officials are pleased at where the property is headed and hope guests will be pleased with what Great Canadian Vancouver has planned.
“As we embark on this exciting transformation to Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, we are entering a new era of excitement and entertainment,” Great Canadian Entertainment CEO Matthew Anfinson said. “Our partnerships with Chef Gordon Ramsay and Live Nation Canada promise to bring an unparalleled level of culinary excellence and world-class entertainment to our valued guests.
“We believe that this transition represents not only a change in name but a significant opportunity to enhance the overall experience.”
OLG Sends Second Quarter Revenue Payments to Municipal Partners
Ontario’s gaming environment continues to reward Canadian partner communities. Last week, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced $40.3 million in second quarter (July 1 – September 30) payments to 29 communities across the province that host gaming facilities.
So far during OLG’s current fiscal year (April 1 to March 31, 2024), these communities have received $83.9 million. The funds sent to each area are based on a formula applied across all gaming sites in Ontario using a graduated scale of gaming revenue at the hosted site, the OLG reports
“OLG continues to be a proud partner in hosting gaming communities,” Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy said. “Municipality Contribution Agreement payments help these municipalities fund priorities such as community infrastructure, parks and recreation, and local health care facilities, benefiting families and local residents.”
Ontario casino gaming proceeds to local communities contribute to economic recovery, infrastructure development, and job creation. The OLG reinvests 100% of the company’s profits in the province.
Over the past eight years, casino service providers have invested more than $2 billion in private sector capital across Ontario. Since 2017, these investments have led to the development and opening of seven new casinos, one planned development, and additional gaming expansions and non-gaming amenities. Since 1994, host communities have received more than $2 billion in non-tax gaming revenue.
Beyond traditional casino gaming revenue, the province also launched Canada’s first fully-regulated online gaming revenue. iGaming continues to play a bigger role in producing additional revenue for OLG. iGaming Ontario recently reported revenue totals for the most recent quarter, a nice increase from the same time in 2022.
From July 1 – Sept. 30, online gaming in the province produced $14.2 billion in wagers for total gaming revenue of $540 million. That’s an increase of 132% and a 105% increase in total revenue from the second quarter of 2022. The report includes results from the province’s 47 operators encompassing 71 websites.
