Red Shores weighs on-site hotel after finishing Charlottetown casino expansion
The racino's manager says a private partner would build and run any hotel, as a giant new screen replaces the old tote board.
Red Shores Racetrack and Casino in Charlottetown is looking at adding a hotel to its property, just as a major casino expansion wraps up.
General manager David MacKenzie said the hotel idea is part of a five-year master plan for the site. He spoke at the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I.'s 2026 season kickoff, held at Red Shores on April 23, SaltWire reported. MacKenzie said he has worked closely on the plan with John Abbott, general manager of the neighbouring Eastlink Centre, looking at how the whole property can best be used. Talks have been held with several potential partners.
Red Shores plans to issue a request for interest soon to learn what developers have in mind, including room counts, parking needs, brands and financial arrangements. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation, which oversees Red Shores, would not pay for a hotel. "We're not going to build it. We're not going to operate it," MacKenzie said, adding that the private sector would have to take the lead.
Casino expansion complete
The newly finished casino expansion was unveiled at the same event. It pushed the building out into the main parking lot, adding 2,500 square feet outside and 8,000 square feet inside, along with a new entrance.
The gaming area is back to seven blackjack and roulette tables, the number it had before COVID-19 restrictions. MacKenzie said the project is about giving players more space. Atlantic Lottery paid for the work, but he would not disclose the cost.
On the racing side, the aging tote board has been removed. A screen about 20 feet by 40 feet is replacing it and was expected to be running by May 2. MacKenzie said it will show race times, videos and sponsor content, and make races much easier to follow.
Premier Rob Lantz told the 115 people at the kickoff that P.E.I. drew a record 1.87 million visitors in 2025. He said tourist spending was up 12 per cent and tourism now accounts for six per cent of provincial GDP.