Surrey’s estimated share of gaming revenues from the proposed Gateway casino/entertainment complex in South Surrey will be closer to $3 million and not $6 million, as widely reported in the media.
That’s the word from Tanya Gabara, community relations liaison for Gateway Casinos.
Asked about the different estimate announced at a news conference hosted Tuesday by Surrey’s three chambers of commerce, Gabara said that the figures have not changed but acknowledged “the way the information was originally communicated could have been confusing.”
She said an estimated $6 million gaming revenue share – featured in the ‘economic benefits’ graphic on the project website www.southsurreyentertainment.com) – includes $2.9 million already received by Surrey from Fraser Downs casino – and is not in addition to it.
“(The new project) would provide more than $3 million annually in estimated gaming revenues,” she said, adding that this, added to the revenues from Fraser Downs, provides the $6 million total.
Gabara said the company has provided the same information, based on BC Lottery Corporation estimates, since the project was announced.
“It ($6 million) is not an inaccurate figure, really,” she said. “It’s just how the figures are broken down.”
Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts could not be reached for comment by Peace Arch News deadline Wednesday. Her office responded by directing enquiries to the website, www.southsurreyentertainment.com