Twenty-five years on Cumberland Street

In 2017 the Ontario government transferred the casino to Gateway Casinos. Under its agreement with the province, Gateway committed to operate the facility for 20 years. What changed was the operator, and with it the name on the signs.

That change of name took physical work. A work crew removed the old OLG signs on the Park Avenue and Pearl Street sides of the building. New signs reading "Gateway Casino - Thunder Bay" went up in their place. For travellers who had known the building by its first name, the lettering on those two sides marked the handover. Two street sides and two sets of letters gave the casino by the lake its second name.

The casino marked 25 years in August 2025. That same month, the general manager confirmed that electronic table games are on site. They sit in the E-Table Stadium, which the casino described in 2024 as 18 interconnected stations with blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps.

Earlier that year, the floor gained something else. A PlaySmart Centre opened on the gaming floor in early 2025, staffed by representatives of the Responsible Gambling Council. They answer questions and hand out resources. Gateway holds RG Check accreditation from the same council. Away from the floor, ConnexOntario answers 24/7 at no cost on 1-866-531-2600.