Before Casino Rama had four walls and a roof, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation community had to navigate many challenges related to its grand vision.
Integral to that vision is the current Chief of Rama, Ted Williams, who was part of the development committee and later became the vice president of corporate affairs and human resources for the gaming facility.
He commemorated “the dreamers of the 1980s and 1990s” at the Casino’s 30th anniversary celebration on Thursday.
He explained how many in the industry at the time shared a desire to bring sustainable employment to the area. But, he recalled, it wasn’t until 1993 that a dedicated committee formed and then held over 40 meetings to discuss bringing a casino to Rama.
“A casino makes lots of money, creates lots of jobs. We already understood that, but our community wanted to know specifically what are we doing about gambling addictions, trafficking, environmental assessment studies, the underworld, policing, housing, all of the factors that aren’t so glamorous, but very, very important,” said Williams.
Williams recalled the deep divide between those who supported the endeavour and the majority of the community who did not.
Eventually, those who did not want a casino in Rama concluded that as long as they dealt with the issues responsibly, they could accept the development. Only then was a proposal submitted.
“That was a strong moment of community responsibility … when that discussion took place, it was a big turning point because it’s like, what a healthy community! What a strong community,” said Williams.
Of the many communities that applied to the province to establish a commercial casino on First Nation territory in 1994, Rama was the first awarded the opportunity.
The building, Williams said, was constructed in 11 months. On July 31, 1996 Casino Rama opened its doors, providing 2,700 people with jobs.
Three decades have since passed and Casino Rama has seen 76 million visitors from across the globe and thousands of performances in its entertainment centre.
The entertainment centre opened in 2001, with Ringo Starr being the first performer to use the space for a rehearsal. Faith Hill was the first to perform publicly in the venue that year.
The 30th anniversary was celebrated Thursday afternoon with dancers, drummers and singers from Rama who were joined by dancers from the Smoke Trail Cultural Group who performed in the casino’s rotunda.
The rotunda was filled with spectators and officials in sharing the milestone moment.
“We’re still the largest commercial casino in the country in First Nation territory,” said Williams with pride.
Now, one of the biggest challenges is competition “for the gaming dollar,” he said.
In the early days, more than 3,000 employees helped make over $500 million in the first five years.
“We’re still looking for Indigenous employment, but we’ve evolved over the 30 years,” explained Williams. “Not just the casino, but First Nations themselves have evolved and developed and they’re creating their opportunities at home for their members. So, we’re satisfied with what we’ve got going on.”
More recently, significant renovations took place under the management of Gateway Casinos.
Helen Cooper, general manager of Casino Rama, said the investments are meant to improve the guest experience.
“We have added exciting new dining and entertainment options, refreshed our hotel accommodations, spa, and fitness centre, and opened three incredible restaurant brands at the property: Chow Lucky Noodle Bar, Match Eatery and Public House, and Atlas Steak and Fish at Saint Germain’s,” she said.
Tolek Strukoff, CEO and president of Gateway Casinos, described this undertaking which included working closely with the Chippewas of Rama to revitalize the rotunda, where the gathering took place.
“It’s not fun hosting a party when your house is under renovation,” he said while applauding all of the employees committed to working through it, “but that’s what the team did here, and they did an exceptional job.”
Strukoff highlighted the significance of Casino Rama, as “it quickly became one of the largest employers in Simcoe County.”
“The impact that we’ve had on Orillia and the area has been huge. You know, in 30 years, we pumped over $2.4 billion from payroll — just payroll — into the local economy. So we’ve done our part, and we’ll continue to do our part,” said Williams.
Today, there are still nearly 150 employees who started on July 31, 1996 still working at the casino, noted Strukoff.
“This kind of dedication speaks volumes about the people who have made this place special,” he said.
Chief Williams, after 30 years, said he is ever “watchful.”
He takes responsibility for what happens and how people are treated and how they conduct themselves, “because we need to maintain a certain standard,” he said.
“Congratulations to 30 years of outstanding gaming entertainment,” said Steve Williams, board member of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, who also attended the casino on opening day.
He said the $50-million renovation project at Casino Rama is a “great example” of a strong partnership at work.
Chief Williams shared a conversation among several Casino Rama employees who began on its first day.
“We talked about Casino Rama … we know that it is a world-class facility,” he said.
“But you don’t become a world-class facility without having world-class staff, world-class employees, and we have had that for 30 years in a row, each and every day,” he said.
“Our people, the employees of Casino Rama, set a high standard and for that I’ll be forever grateful,” said Williams.
Before the ribbon cutting, the event concluded with a $3,000 donation to the Rama Community Pantry.
The casino has various events and activities planned throughout July to mark the milestone.
By Danielle Pitman, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Jul 10, 2026 at 08:27
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