Gateway announced the unexpected passing of Santo on August 17th. The company has not provided any additional details at this time. Santo served as the CEO of Gateway since October 2013 and became a director in July 2017. Originally planning to retire at the end of 2019, Santo stayed on to support the business during the pandemic. Under his leadership, Gateway significantly expanded its network by acquiring properties from Playtime Gaming in 2015 and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation the following year. Today, Gateway operates 29 gaming properties across British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.
Before joining Gateway, Santo held key positions in the gambling industry, including roles with Las Vegas Strip properties like Bally’s Grand and Paris (now Horseshoe Las Vegas) as well as Caesars Entertainment. Tolek Strukoff, the president of Gateway, describes Santo as an iconic leader who successfully transformed Gateway into Canada’s leading entertainment and gaming company. Strukoff recalls Santo’s dedication, frequently visiting sites and connecting with staff from dawn till dusk, showing genuine interest in their work, families, and lives.
Strukoff pays tribute to Santo’s outstanding leadership, expertise, and friendship, emphasizing that Gateway’s growth was a collective effort. On behalf of Gateway’s employees, Strukoff expresses heartfelt sympathies to the entire Santo family. InnovateChange also extends condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this challenging time.
