The door
Doors from 9 AM until 4 AM
The door at the end of every route opens at 9 AM and closes at 4 AM, every day. The planner below works backwards from those hours to a leave-by time, and the floor is described further down.
Hosted by Ellie Marchand, a character created for this guideChecked October 14, 2026
Work back from the door
Leave-by planner
Thunder Bay time · the door is open 9 AM to 4 AM
- Leave NipigonFriday, 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- 2.5 h on the road, your estimate; 95 km in a straight line
- Pull in at the doorFriday, 9 AM to 1 AM
- Doors closeSaturday, 4 AM
The door is open from 9 AM to 4 AM, 7 days a week, and closed from 4 AM to 9 AM.
The hours on the road are your own estimate: the guide measures straight lines and does not time any drive. Holiday hours are not published; the casino line is 807-766-7900.
| Day | Door opens | Door closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Tuesday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Wednesday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Thursday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Friday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Saturday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
| Sunday | 9 AM | 4 AM, next morning |
Hours from behind the wheel
Gateway Casinos Thunder Bay is open from 9 AM to 4 AM, 7 days a week. The doors are closed from 4 AM to 9 AM. A session that starts in the evening runs past midnight, up to the 4 AM close. Arriving after 4 AM means the doors stay shut until 9 AM. A driver setting a leave-by time works back from 4 AM, not from midnight.
And if the trip falls on a holiday? Holiday hours are not published, so the casino line, 807-766-7900, is the place to check them. Every time in this guide is Thunder Bay time, which is Eastern time.
Slots and electronic stations
The casino lists 450 slot machines on its floor. Electronic table games sit in an area called the E-Table Stadium. In 2024 that area was described as 18 interconnected stations offering blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. In August 2025 the general manager confirmed electronic table games are on site, though the 18-station figure dates from 2024. These stations are separate from the live dealer tables covered below.
And what about a rewards card? My Club Rewards membership is free of charge. It is set up in person at the Guest Services desk, and valid ID is needed to do it. Members earn points at slot machines and table games.
Dealer games, food and drinks
Live table games with a dealer are offered. In 2024, 6 live tables were listed: Blackjack, Mississippi Stud Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em and Roulette. The current table count, table hours and table minimums are not published. The casino line, 807-766-7900, answers all three. No poker room is described for the casino, and neither are bingo, keno or sports betting.
What about food between sessions? The Getaway Restaurant and Bar sits just off the casino floor, with light meals, snacks, drinks and sports on TV. Grab-and-go food is available at the bar. Its current hours are not published in this guide, so the same line, 807-766-7900, covers them. Coffee, tea and fountain pop are complimentary, and those are the only complimentary drinks.
Asked before setting out
Is a 3:30 AM arrival still in time to go in?
It is, since the casino stays open until 4 AM. That leaves half an hour before the doors close.
What happens at the casino between 4 AM and 9 AM?
The casino is closed during those hours. The doors shut at 4 AM and open again at 9 AM.
Are craps and baccarat on the electronic tables?
They were in 2024, when the E-Table Stadium was described as 18 interconnected stations offering blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. In August 2025 the general manager confirmed electronic table games are on site.
Can table hours be found in advance?
Table hours are not published, and neither are the current table count or minimums. The casino line, 807-766-7900, answers those questions.