Alberta, Canada, known for its scenic beauty and diversified culture, is once again making headlines in the gambling community. The province has unveiled a new addition to its gaming landscape – The Red Deer Resort & Casino, marking a significant milestone in Alberta’s entertainment and tourism sector.
Situated in Alberta, The Red Deer Resort & Casino officially started welcoming patrons on 8 September. This establishment isn’t just a regular casino; it’s an expansion and enhancement of an original hotel, transforming it into a bustling hub for both gaming enthusiasts and casual tourists.
Boasting an expansive 38,000 square feet of gaming space, the casino promises to cater to various gaming tastes. From the whirring and beeping of slot machines to the strategic intensity of table games, and the high stakes thrills of a dedicated poker room, the casino seems ready to deliver an unmatched gaming experience.
But that’s not all. For those looking to extend their stay, The Red Deer Resort & Casino offers over 240 exquisitely designed hotel rooms. Whether it’s a business meet-up or a casual catch-up, the venue’s meeting rooms, conference centre, and dining facilities offer diverse options. With an added bar, patrons can unwind after a day of gaming, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Reflecting on this colossal achievement, George Yammine, the CEO of O’Chiese Business and Investment Center, which owns the venue, remarked, “The launch of this casino is not just an achievement for us but also a landmark moment for the City of Red Deer. With its introduction, we’re anticipating a surge in tourism and regional economic growth. We envision this space as not just a casino but a central hub for entertainment, drawing visitors from far and wide.”
In addition to elevating entertainment standards, this ambitious project has a promising economic outlook. It’s expected to amplify employment opportunities in the region by a significant 20%, breathing new life into the local job market.
Adrian Strawberry, the maestro behind hotel operations at O’Chiese Hospitality, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The journey to this day has been filled with hard work, determination, and an unwavering vision. As we open our doors, our team is eager and ready to provide guests with a top-tier entertainment experience. Every corner of The Red Deer Resort & Casino echoes our commitment to excellence, and we’re thrilled to share this with the world.”
While The Red Deer Resort & Casino makes its grand entrance, the casino landscape in Alberta is undergoing other noteworthy shifts. This week also witnessed the completion of Vici Properties’ acquisition of a quartet of casinos from Century Casinos, at a deal valued at CA$221.7m. This deal, initially announced in May, involves Vici taking the reins of the Century Casino & Hotel Edmonton, Century Casino St Albert, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, and Century Downs.
These new acquisitions have led to revisions in Vici and Century’s leasing agreement. The annual rent has been adjusted to reflect an increase by $17.3m, amounting to 7.8% of the total acquisition cost. Further, to cement their long-term association, both parties have extended their contract, ensuring a robust 15-year initial base lease term. This also incorporates four successive five-year tenant renewal options.
In the grand scheme of things, these developments, both the launch of The Red Deer Resort & Casino and the acquisition moves by Vici Properties, underline Alberta’s commitment to bolstering its gaming sector. As stakeholders invest and innovate, patrons and the local economy stand to gain immensely. With such promising prospects, Alberta’s future on the global gaming map looks brighter than ever.
