Construction has begun on the renovation of Gateway Casinos London, which will feature an expanded gaming floor, Gateway Casinos has confirmed.

As part of the $50m overhaul, the gaming floor will be expanded from 70,000 square feet to 84,000, and will include 891 slot machines and 18 live gaming tables wrapped around a new centralized bar.

“The development of the Cascades Casino at Western Fair District will be great for London, customers will benefit from new and expanded entertainment and food experiences,” said Reg Ash, CEO of Western Fair District.

“Everyone will benefit from the enhanced economic impact for London and (the) region through jobs and visitors to our city.”

According to Darcy Romanin, General Manager at Gateway Casinos, construction on the site will take 27 months to complete but it will be divided into five phases to minimise the impact on customers on the gaming floor.

“An expanded gaming floor, additional tables, adding two great new restaurants, our Match Eatery and Public House signature brand as well as our Chow Lucky Noodle House,” said Romanin.

“It’s going to be very exciting here. London will be very happy with the product that will be here once it’s all finished. We have definitely not held back.”

The casino expects to add about 100 new jobs by the time the renovation is finished in late 2025.

However, according to Councillor Susan Stevenson, expanded gaming on the site “raises the stakes” for Gateway and city hall because of an existing revenue-sharing agreement.

“Our (multi-year) budget is going to be an incredible challenge this year,” explained Stevenson.

Elsewhere, Gateway Casinos paid tribute to the “iconic” Tony Santo last month, following news of the CEO’s passing.