14-Dec-05. Stoney Nation gets casino injunction. Calgary Herald, B2.

In this news brief, a Calgary judge has ruled that three women protesting the construction of a casino on the Stoney Nation must allow the development to continue. The interim injunction expires on February 15th to allow the three sisters arguing title to the property to secure legal funding.

13-Dec-05. Casino gets court OK to build for limited time, at band’s risk. Edmonton Journal, B5.

Justice Adele Kent granted an interim injunction on Monday that will allow construction of a casino on the Stoney Reserve to continue until February 15th. Protesters trying to stop construction say that the land where the band plans to build has been in their family since before a treaty established the Stoney Reserve. Kent ruled that the $30-million casino at Highway 40 and the Trans-Canada Highway can proceed but the Stoney Nation is only doing so at their risk.

13-Dec-05. Casino OK’d in court battle. Calgary Sun, 22.

A Calgary judge ruled yesterday that protesters trying to block development of a casino on Stoney land along the Trans-Canada Highway must let the project proceed. Judge Kent said allowing protesters to continue blocking construction could cause the Stoney Nation irreparable economic harm. If it turns out the land belongs to three Stoney sisters, the band must return it to its pristine form.

7-Dec-05. Bids for local horse race track examined. Red Deer Advocate, A2.

Several bidders are in the running to build a horse race track and gambling centre in the Red Deer area. Horse Race Alberta, which regulates horse racing, has received bids from prospective developers after a call went out in early November. Rocky Mountain Turf Club Inc., which runs a Lethbridge track, wants to build a race track complex which would include 99 Vegas-style slot machines, a sports bar, and simulcast betting.

8-Dec-05. Alberta must control its ‘embarrassment of riches’. Edmonton Journal, B1.

This article reviews the major sources of Alberta’s provincial income over the past year. It is reported that the province collected $1.3-billion from gaming, $1.3-billion from conventional crude oil royalties, $4.6-billion in personal income taxes, $718-million from oilsands revenues, and $6.4-billion from natural gas.

8-Dec-05. New casino’s a good bet. Calgary Sun, 10.

The Calgary Stampede will start work on a new hotel and casino within a year after landing an $80-million credit guarantee from the City of Calgary. Stampede Chairman Steve Allan said negotiations are underway with a hotel developer which, if successful, will see the construction of a hotel and casino on the north end of the park. According to Allen, the current casino is underperforming and the new facility will be the best casino in the marketplace.

8-Dec-05. Klein’s ban on booze relaxes just a little. Edmonton Journal, A1.

In this article, Alberta Premier Ralph Klein is interviewed and says that his self-imposed abstinence from alcohol loosened slightly as he had an occasional drink this past year. Klein is also known to frequent casinos and says that he sets an annual budget of $1,000 at the beginning of the year. The premier plays poker and limits his betting to $10 per bet.

7-Dec-05. Transat head says tourism facing ‘national emergency’. Globe and Mail, B5.

Montreal-based tour operator Transat A.T. Inc. has thrown its support behind a proposal by Quebec’s lottery corporation to build an international casino and entertainment complex south of Montreal’s downtown. Transat Chairman Jean-Marc Eustache says that the casino would be a destination that would help to attract more visitors from the United States. Critics suggest that moving the existing casino to this neighborhood would increase the rate of criminal activity and gambling addiction in the area.

5-Dec-05. Put me in, coach… all in! Edmonton Journal, D12.

Poker coach Grant Kendall of Edmonton is profiled in this article that discusses basic game strategies. Kendall notes that in poker, unlike other casino gambling, players are competing against others at the table instead of against the house. He also says that Edmonton has become a hotbed for the game and mentions the city’s blue collar nature, long winters, and sports mentality as possible explanations for this popularity. PokerPulse estimates that more than 1.8-million people play poker each month and that the poker industry generates $2.2-billion in annual gross revenue.

3-Dec-05. Cribbage crackdown. Calgary Herald, A28.

This editorial criticizes a decision by Alberta Gaming to shut down a cribbage game played by a group of Lethbridge seniors because a small amount of prize money was involved. The editorialist says that the province does not have the same concern for those seniors who gambling at casinos and bingo parlours where the province gets a share of the house winnings.

2-Dec-05. Cribbage crackdown. Lethbridge Herald, A1.

The enforcement arm of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) recently sent out warnings to the Edmonton Army and Navy Veterans club that hosting crib tournaments involving payouts or entry fees must stop immediately. Mona Templeton of the Lethbridge Legion fears fines of even club closures could follow if the warning goes unheeded. An AGLC spokesperson says the act of exchanging cash during card games in a licenced establishment constitutes gambling and it’s against the law. Crib is not recognized by the AGLC as a classified card game nor as a charitable gaming event like bingo or raffles.

2-Dec-05. Winning and fun begin at The Fort. Edmonton Sun, W16.

This advertising-style article provides details on the Fort Road Bingo Association’s new facility which opened in Edmonton on November 16th. The facility is billed as the first of its kind in Alberta and features a dozen flat screen televisions, a VLT (video lottery terminal) area, keno gaming, and bingo. The article notes that the Edmonton bingo industry has seen a steady decline in revenues over the past several years due to the inception of VLTs, expanded casino operations, and a city non-smoking bylaw that took effect this year.

1-Dec-05. Seniors forced to fold cribbage hands. Calgary Herald, B3.

A group of Lethbridge seniors who spice up their regular cribbage card game at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Club with small cash prizes is being shut down by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. The seniors charged a $10 per couple admission to cover the costs of coffee and cash prizes up to $100. The issue first arose when a complaint was filed with the commission against a club in Edmonton holding crib games for money without a gambling licence.

26-Nov-05. Deerfoot bets on Alberta’s boom. Calgary Herald, C1.

The first half of this lengthy article provides information about southwest Calgary’s new $42-million Deerfoot Inn and Casino. The facility includes a 60,000-square-foot casino with 600 slot machines, an indoor water park, a 188-room hotel, restaurants, lounges, conference rooms, and live entertainment. The second half of the article examines the overall casino market in Calgary and includes interviews other city casino owners.

26-Nov-05. Is Calgary hitting casino saturation? Calgary Herald, A1.

The opening of the Deerfoot Inn and Casino makes it the sixth casino in the City of Calgary. With the future opening of the Tsuu T’ina casino on the outskirts of the city, the author wonders whether the casino gambling market has reached its saturation point. Additional casinos would not have been approved if the market couldn’t hand them according to both casino owner Darcy Will and Alberta Gaming Minister Gordon Graydon.

24-Nov-05. Tanenbaum takes stake in Casino and Gaming Television. Globe and Mail, S2.

The leading stakeholder in a new specialty channel called Casino and Gaming Television is Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman and part-owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. Programming will consist of shows that teach viewers how to play games, that provide strategic advice, fantasy league information, and telecasts of competitions.

17-Nov-05. Province cashes in on gaming. Calgary Sun, 5.

According to the provincial government’s second quarter fiscal update, government revenue from gambling is estimated to total $1.24-billion this year, up $34-million from the budget estimate. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission attributes the gaming revenue rise to VLTs and slot machines. It also expects that revenues will continue to rise after Alberta’s 17th casino opens in Calgary next week.

17-Nov-05. Alberta vices soar. Edmonton Sun, 5.

According to the provincial government’s second quarter fiscal update, government revenue from gambling is estimated to total $1.24-billion this year, up $34-million from the budget estimate. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission attributes the gaming revenue rise to VLTs and slot machines. It also expects that revenues will continue to rise after Alberta’s 17th casino opens in Calgary next week. University of Alberta psychologist Dr. Gus Thompson says that gambling and drinking are two social problems that always seem to take off when the economy is booming.

16-Nov-05. Chief to meet casino protesters. Calgary Herald, B2.

This newsbrief reports that three female elders opposed to the construction of a $27-million casino on the Stoney reserve west of Calgary are expected to meet today with Bearspaw Chief Darcy Dixon to discuss their concerns. The woman claim that the tribal council approved the proposed casino without proper consultation.

14-Nov-05. Horse race plan puts local charities on alert. Red Deer Advocate, A1.

Charitable groups fear that their charitable casino revenues will decline if a horse racing track with 99 slot machines is approved in the Red Deer area. Rocky Mountain Turf Club Inc., which runs a track in Lethbridge, has applied for a provincial licence to race horses at an unspecified site near Highway 2. The company plans to include 99 Vegas-style slot machines, a sports bar and simulcast horse racing facilities.

14-Nov-05. Race tracks hurt charities. Red Deer Advocate, A4.

In this editorial, the author discusses a proposal to operate a racino in Red Deer and its likely impact on local charitable organizations. It is noted that provincial law allows race tracks to keep 70 per cent of the profits generated at the facility, as opposed to 15 per cent that charities get from casinos. This has resulted in the horse racing industry seeing $37.5-million in funding per year. The authors suggests that charitable organizations will see a reduction in available funding unless charitable revenues from racinos are pooled with those from casinos.

12-Nov-05. Lottery prizes to be reduced. Calgary Herald, J7.

The increased number of large-scale charitable home lotteries in Calgary that are vying for consumers has led one Calgary builder to re-think its approach. Shane Wenzel of Shane Homes says that increased competition and somewhat disappointing results mean that his company will be building three homes as prizes instead of four for next year’s Kinsmen Children’s Hospital Home Lotto.

12-Nov-05. Bingo hall hits reno jackpot. Edmonton Sun, 12.

The Fort Road Bingo Association in northeast Edmonton is holding a grand opening of its newly renovated hall that will also include a gaming lounge, VLTs and Keno. The association hopes the renovations will reverse a 25% decline in attendance at the hall since a city-wide smoking ban came into effect on July 1, 2005.

12-Nov-05. How bands can gamble risk-free. Lethbridge Herald, A6.

This editorial examines the social and economic implications of the planned opening of several Aboriginal casinos in the Province of Alberta based on the discussion at last week’s forum on Aboriginal casinos at the University of Lethbridge. The author says that the safest strategy for Southern Albertan First Nations bands may well be to stay out of the game altogether. This is because the province’s Aboriginal gaming model will share a percentage of casinos profits for the benefit of all Alberta native peoples.

10-Nov-05. Liberal Party not opposed to horse racing. Lethbridge Herald, B2.

This article reports that Alberta’s Liberal Caucus does not object to the horse racing industry but they do have concerns regarding the generous deal that Horse Racing Alberta got from the provincial government. Specifically, Liberal MLA and gaming critic Maurice Tougas points out that 51 per cent of racino revenue, after operator’s fees, goes to Horse Racing Alberta. Overall, it is reported that gaming has become the second-highest form of revenue in the province, following gas and ahead of oil.

7-Nov-05. U of A holds winning hand in video poker. Edmonton Journal, A1.

This article provides details about the work being undertaken on artificial intelligence at the University of Alberta Computer Poker Research Group. Poker-playing “bots” have been created that are starting to have success playing head-to-head challenge matches against professional poker players. PhD student Darse Billings says that poker is of interest to A.I. scientists as poker is a game of imperfect information.

6-Nov-05. Hits the jackpot. Edmonton Sun, 55.

Edmonton businessman Dwayne Lafleur runs a poker supplies business that caters to Canadians. He owns several retail stores and a web site called thenuts.ca which sells chips, cards, dice, cases, felts, table tops and tables. He estimates his sales are up about 250 per cent this year due to the increasing popularity of the game.

6-Nov-05. Contract vote suspended. Calgary Herald, A8.

A vote to end a six-week Casino Calgary strike has been postponed after employees sought clarification on back-to-work rules. Union officials returned to ABS Casino Calgary on Friday for clarification on back-to-work issues that could involve amnesty for certain actions on the picket line, as well as protocol for dealing with those who had crossed and job terminations.

5-Nov-05. Las Vegas of the North? Lethbridge Herald, A1.

This article provides details of a panel presentation entitled Aboriginal Casinos: Who’s Cashing In? that was sponsored by the Royal Society of Canada in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge. Panel members included Dr. Robert Williams, Dr. Yale Belanger, former Blood Tribe Chief Chris Shade, and coordinator of the Kainaakiiksi women’s group Phyllis Day Chief. The speakers suggested the benefits of added revenue for reserves generated from gaming would not outweigh the potential social costs.

4-Nov-05. Union to vote on Calgary Casino deal. Calgary Herald, B3.

A six-week-old strike at Calgary Casino could be over today after a mediator's recommendation was accepted by the company. Union officials are encouraging members to vote in favour of the deal in today's ratification vote. More than 400 workers at the northeast casino walked off the job September 23 in a dispute over wages.

3-Nov-05. Reject casino: Doerksen. Red Deer Advocate, A4.

Red Deer MLA Victor Doerksen has written a letter to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) advising them to reject a contentious proposal to expand the Jackpot Casino. Doerksen said the Parkvale neighborhood is clearly opposed to the casino’s proposal to add 4,300-square-feet for a poker room and additional slot machines. The AGLC has received 78 letters in favour of the expansion and sixteen from those opposed.

2-Nov-05. Nova Scotia starts pulling plug on VLTs. Edmonton Journal, A14.

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has turned off 800 video lottery terminals (VLTs) in Nova Scotia as part of Premier John Hamm’s responsible gaming strategy. Getting rid of the machines will result in a $10-million loss of net income for the rest of 2005-06 and a $23-million annual reduction in subsequent years.

26-Oct-05. Bad losers, first-timers all part of life in the kiosk. Calgary Herald, A3.

This article profiles Shirley Reichert’s job as a lottery ticket seller at Calgary’s Chinook Centre mall. Reichert describes some of the rewards and challenges that she faces in this role.

26-Oct-05. Sisters refuse to enter talks with Stoney band on casino. Calgary Herald, B6.

Construction of a $27-million casino on the Stoney reserve is on hold indefinitely while the band executive attempts to deal with a protest by three native elders. The sisters have been protesting the casino project since last June and claim that the land is both sacred and sentimental to their family. They claim that the tribal council approved the casino without proper consultation with the community and its elders.

26-Oct-05. Kids trying VLTs, says Cdn. study. Lethbridge Herald, A12.

The second phase of a study by researchers from McGill University and the University of Western Ontario has found that 12 per cent of 2,672 students surveyed in the Montreal area had tried using a VLT (video lottery terminal). Youth in the area are attracted to the machines because of a number of influences and opportunities according to Dr. Jason Gilliland.

26-Oct-05. Reading, writing and raising. Lethbridge Herald, A12.

This Associated Press article provides information about the increasing number of youth who are being attracted to gambling. Experts in the United States say that the growing obession with poker is putting teens at their highest risk ever for compulsive gambling. Survey are revealing that gambling on card games has increased noticeably among males ages 14 to 22.

26-Oct-05. Big win may not be the cure-all. Calgary Herald, A3.

This article discusses the upcoming Lotto 6/49 draw that may produce Canada's largest-ever lottery jackpot. The author also examines how winning large lottery jackpots either positively or negatively changed the lives of other winners.

25-Oct-05. CryptoLogic extends deal with major customer. Globe and Mail, B9.

Canada’s CryptoLogic Inc. says that one of its largest customers has agreed to continue licencing the company’s online poker software. Betfair.com will continue its exclusive agreement with CryptoLogic until at least June, 2006. CryptoLogic’s business strategy is to serve only the very largest of the more than 1,000 online wagering sites.

25-Oct-05. Long-shot lotto odds shocking. Calgary Sun, 2.

University of Calgary mathematics and statistics professor Dr. Ernest Enns reports that the odds of choosing the correct numbers for tomorrow’s $40-million Lotto 6/49 grand prize are 1-in-13,983,816. A person would need to purchase 43 tickets to have the same chance of winning the big prize as being killed in a car accident in the next year.

24-Oct-05. Casino seeking injunction today. Calgary Herald, B2.

This newsbrief notes that ABS Casinos has asked the Alberta Labour Relations Board for an injunction that would halt striking workers from handing out union pamphlets to would-be gamblers. Casino Calgary has been embroiled in a month-long labour dispute with the CUPE Alberta union.

24-Oct-05. Casino expansion debate falling through cracks .Red Deer Advocate, A4.

This opinion article discusses the debate surrounding the planned expansion of downtown Red Deer’s Jackpot Casino and its impact on the residents of the Parkvale community. It is stated that both municipal and provincial officials have shirked their jurisdictional responsibilities to represent the interests of citizens by failing to make any recommendations. The author suggests changing provincial gaming policy so that there is no doubt as to what would happen if a municipal council votes to decline a gaming application.

22-Oct-05.Tobacco fight called gamble. Calgary Sun, 35.

Nova Scotia government politicians warn that legislation stating cigarette manufacturers had a responsibility to warn the public over the danger of their products could be used to buttress the case of anti-gambling advocates. Those opposed to video lottery terminals (VLTs) claim the government has been lax in its warnings about gambling.

21-Oct-05. Smokers welcome. Edmonton Sun, 27.

The construction of the new River Cree Resort and Casino on the Enoch reserve near the corner of Whitemud Drive and Winterburn Road could draw gamblers away from casinos in Edmonton where smoking is forbidden. Unlike the City of Edmonton, Enoch has no smoking ban and smoking will be permitted in approximately 30-35 per cent of the new casino that is set to open in the fall of 2006.

21-Oct-05. No palm trees for Enoch casino resort. Edmonton Journal, E3.

A ceremony was held yesterday to celebrate the completion of cement work on the hotel that is being constructed as part of the River Cree Resort and Casino. The interior design of the resort will provide space for display of historic native artifacts and incorporate colours that are symbolic to the Enoch First Nation. The development is a partnership between the Enoch Cree First Nation is and Paragon Gaming.

20-Oct-05. Band likes odds on $150 million resort, casino. Edmonton Journal, G1.

This article reports that ceremony was scheduled to be held at the River Cree Resort and Casino to celebrate progress on the nine-story hotel. Enoch Cree First Nation Chief Ron Morin says that the development will employ upwards of 1,000 people and create the equivalent of 725 full-time jobs. The casino and resort is a partnership between Paragon Gaming of Las Vegas and Enoch Community Development Corporation – a subsidiary of Enoch Cree Nation. Paragon will operate the casino that will have 600 slot machines, 40 table games plus a 12-table poker room and high-limit gaming area. Morin says that casinos on other North American reserves have reduced problem gambling among members of the host First Nation. The Enoch band will, however, increase its spending on educational programs to warn about the dangers of problem gambling and other addictions.

20-Oct-05. Luxury resort taking shape. Edmonton Sun, 61.

The River Cree Resort and Casino offered a glimpse of progress on the project today at an event celebrating the completion of cement-work on the development’s hotel. The project is expected to generate $120-million a year in revenue and will include a 62,600-square-foot casino with 600 slot machines that is expected to open in Fall 2006. Members of the Enoch Cree First Nation believe that it will create significant employment and economic benefit for their community.

20-Oct-05. Employment potential excites Westbury. Edmonton Journal, G3.

In this item, Bob Westbury says that he accepted the chairmanship of the board that runs the Enoch Cree Resort and Casino because it offers significant potential for economic development. He concedes that casino gambling could endanger some Enoch residents but that this risk is outweighed by employment opportunities. Enoch Chief Ron Morin says that the resort and casino will create more than 1,000 full-time and part-time positions.

18-Oct-05. Coucillors shy away from casino dispute. Red Deer Advocate, B1.

Several Red Deer city councillors are standing behind a decision made two years ago that council not take a position on casinos. Parkvale Community Association does not agree with the stance taken by council and is attempting to stop the proposed $1.5-million expansion of the Jackpot Casino. They feel that it will create noise, traffic, litter and parking problems in their historic community.

17-Oct-05. City, Tsuu T’ina both need ring road. Calgary Herald, B2.

This article discusses the City of Calgary’s requirements for a ring-road that would require use of land comprising the northeast corner of the Tsuu T’ina reserve. It appears that the Tsuu T’ina are in favour of this proposal even though Calgary City Hall has concerns that they may back away from reaching a deal. It is suggested that the ring-road will provide necessary access to a planned casino and other development initiatives.

14-Oct-05. Lottery fever picks up as 6/49 jackpot rises. Calgary Herald, A13.

Convenience stores in Calgary are seeing more people purchasing lottery tickets in anticipation of larger than usual jackpots for both Super 7 and Lotto 6/49. Rebecca Sullivan, professor of communications and culture at the University of Calgary says that most people participate in the lottery in order to experience the excitement or “frenzy” of the event. She also describes it as the ultimate form of unfulfilled consumption.

13-Oct-05. Hooked on online games. Calgary Herald, N2.

This article describes a Calgary man’s preoccupation with an online role-playing game called World of Warcraft. Garry Smith, a gambling research specialist at the Alberta Gaming Research Institute says that these online games are making their way into more homes in Calgary but that gambling sites are still more popular. He doesn’t believe that the growth in online virtual worlds has gotten to the problem stage yet but it can cause difficulties for some people if they start to neglect other important aspects of their life.

8-Oct-05. Mayor bets on gambling as Big Easy saviour. Calgary Herald, A24.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has proposed Las Vegas-style gambling in the city's large hotels as a way to revitalize the New Orleans economy in the wake of hurricane Katrina. The plan, which would need the approval of the Lousiana legislature, calls for a large-scale gambling district along Canal Street. The single downtown New Orleans casino has been closed since shortly before Katrina hit.

8-Oct-05. Band chief charged after standoff over video gaming. Calgary Herald, A13.

A standoff between the RCMP and the Adams Lake, B.C. Indian Band over illegal gambling machines ended with the seizure of the machines and the band's chief being charged. Officers with the RCMP's illegal gaming enforcement team confiscated 31 machines from various businesses after executing 10 search warrants in Kamloops, Chase, Merritt, and Golden. Band Chief Ronnie Jules issued a press release Friday that decried the RCMP actions as an illegal trespass and intrusion on band business.

6-Oct-05. Tsuu T’ina and Calgary clash over band’s casino approval. Edmonton Journal, B4.

The Tsuu T’ina First Nation will soon begin construction on its new $30-million casino but appears headed toward a clash with the City of Calgary over access to the site. A decision by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to move the band’s application to the final stage of the licencing process means the facility should be completed within two years. The City of Calgary would like to see a deal in place for the long-awaited southwest ring road through Tsuu T’ina land before construction begins.

6-Oct-05. Ring road deal isn’t imminent. Calgary Herald, B1.

The Tsuu T’ina First Nation was granted approval Tuesday by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to proceed with work on its proposed 70,000-square-foot casino at Glenmore Trail and 37th Street S.W. The City of Calgary does not want to see construction begin on the project until a deal is reached between the province and the band to build a connector road that is seen as a key component of the Calgary transportation system. The Province stressed that there is no connection between the casino licencing process and talks on the road.

5-Oct-05. Casino approval sets stage for clash. Calgary Herald, A1.

Construction will soon begin on the planned $30-million First Nation casino to be built on Tsuu T’ina land at 37th Street and Glenmore Trail. Tuesday’s decision by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission to move the band’s application to the final stage of the licencing process means the facility should be completed within two years. The decision sets up what could become a fight with the City of Calgary, which wants a deal for a ring-road through Tsuu T’ina land before construction proceeds.

5-Oct-05. Ring-road bargaining chip. Calgary Sun, 3.

City of Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier is hoping that the recent approval of the Tsuu T’ina First Nation’s casino at 37th St. and Glenmore Trail will come with a long-awaited ring-road deal. He warns that if it does not, there will be no viable access to the casino from Calgary’s streets. The Tsuu T’ina reserve is located on the fringe’s of Calgary’s southeast.

1-Oct-05. Smell of money. Calgary Sun, 14.

This editorial discusses the decision by Supreme Court of Canada that makes it possible for provinces to sue Big Tobacco for the costs of treating smoking-related illnesses. The editorialist believes that it is both bad public policy and hypocritical for provinces to sue the tobacco companies when they are themselves deeply involved in the promotion of the alcohol and gambling industries.

1-Oct-05. Council must take stand on casino. Red Deer Advocate, B1.

In this editorial, the author discusses the controversy over the planned $1.5-million expansion of the Jackpot Casino in the City of Red Deer. It is opined that Red Deer City Council have abdicated their responsibility to represent their constituents by not taking a stand on casino development in the city. The author also points out that charities, which depend immensely on casino revenue, are forced to defend casinos just like they have with bingos. In conclusion, the editorialist states that the province cannot possibly be objective when it comes to the casino expansion approval process because they also generate huge revenues from the facilities.

30-Sep-05. Casino supported. Red Deer Advocate, A1.

A spokesperson from Alberta Gaming indicated that the regulatory commission has received 46 letters supporting the proposed expansion of Red Deer’s Jackpot Casino and 12 against. The majority of letters supporting the casino were from charitable groups who raise money from casino gaming for fundraising. The commission has not yet received the results of a survey at a recent public meeting that drew more than 70 people. Of 36 residents who filled out the survey, 31 opposed the expansion and want to restrict the proximity of casinos to neighborhoods.

30-Sep-05. Out of the darkness. Calgary Herald, C14.

This lengthy article is the second half of a two-part series that profiles a Calgary nurse’s descent into gambling addiction and her path to recovery. After hitting rock bottom, she sought treatment from Aventa, Addiction Treatment for Women, a Calgary-based recovery centre that helps women with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions. The 28-day in-patient program was key in allowing the woman to begin the process of recovery from her addiction and to re-connect with her family.

30-Sep-05. I felt like I had so much power… Edmonton Journal, C1.

This detailed article is the first of a two-part series that profiles a Calgary’s nurse’s descent into gambling addiction, criminal charges and attempted suicide. After experiencing a big win early in her gambling career, the woman’s gambling behaviours eventually became problematic. These problems led to conflicts with friends, family, and her employers. Throughout the article, the author provides additional information about problem gambling and women.

29-Sep-05. Into a black hole. Calgary Herald, E1.

This detailed article is the first of a two-part series that profiles a Calgary’s nurse’s descent into gambling addiction, criminal charges and attempted suicide. After experiencing a big win early in her gambling career, the woman’s gambling behaviours eventually became problematic. These problems led to conflicts with friends, family, and her employers. Throughout the article, the author provides additional information about problem gambling and women.

28-Sep-05. Casino move urged. Red Deer Advocate, A1.

Area residents attending a public meeting on Tuesday recommended that the Jackpot Casino in Red Deer should move to a more appropriate location on the outskirts of the city. Casino co-owner Franklin Daines is proposing that the existing casino expand by 4,300-square-feet to add a poker room and additional slot machines. Red Deer South MLA Victor Doerksen moderated the meeting and promised to pass on residents’ input to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, which will decide whether to approve the casino expansion.

28-Sep-05. ‘Cocaine of gambling’. Calgary Sun, 26.

This article features the introduction of video lottery terminals (VLTs) to Alberta in 1992 as part of a series on Alberta in the 20th Century. It relates the events of the late 1990’s when petitions were signed that aimed to force local plebiscites over the machines.

26-Sep-05. Casino to open after city OK’s added seats. Calgary Herald, B6.

A $40-million hotel and casino will open in six weeks after the city council approved changes that allow it to add 400 gaming seats. The Deerfoot Inn and Casino is being built at Barlow Trail and 114th Avenue S.E. and recently received approval from Alberta Gaming to increase the number of gaming seats to 1,200. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot casino, the complex also houses a seven-storey, 190-room hotel, a convention centre, a 225-seat theatre, restaurants, and drinking facilities.

24-Sep-05. Casino workers begin walkout. Calgary Herald, B3.

More than 400 workers at Casino Calgary went on strike on Friday in an attempt to increase hourly wages. The union claims wages at the city’s only unionized casino are $2 to $3 per hour lower than wages at other casinos in the city. The union would like a raise of 20 per cent while management has offered a two per cent increase.

24-Sep-05. Calgary casino workers strike. Edmonton Journal, B12.

More than 400 workers at Casino Calgary went on strike on Friday in an attempt to increase hourly wages. The union claims wages at the city’s only unionized casino are $2 to $3 per hour lower than wages at other casinos in the city. The union would like a raise of 20 per cent while management has offered a two per cent increase.

22-Sep-05. Native sisters walk to Canmore. Calgary Herald, B4.

Three sisters from the Stoney First Nation at Morley have completed a 110-kilometre walk from Calgary to Canmore to help raise money and promote awareness of elder abuse. The women are also fighting the construction of the Stoney’s $27-million casino and have previously blocked access to the site.

18-Sep-05. Smoking ban burns clubs. Edmonton Journal, A3.

Charities in Edmonton are blaming a city-wide smoking ban for a drop in revenues generated from bingo events. Edmonton’s 15 bingo parlours are reporting drops in attendance from 10 to 40 per cent while halls but event volunteers say that air quality has improved significantly. Bingo halls in neighbouring Spruce Grove and Wetaskiwin that allow smoking have seen an increase in attendance.

16-Sep-05. Tribe seeks protest injunction. Calgary Herald, B3.

The Stoney First Nation plans to seek an injunction in Federal Court next week against three elders protesting the construction of a $27-million casino. An injunction was also granted in Court of Queen’s Bench on Thursday prohibiting the elders from blocking access to the site. The elderly sisters have, however, filed their own application for an injunction against the Stoneys to stop them from building on the land to which they claim ancestral rights.

14-Sep-05. Web fun at your fingertips. Calgary Sun, 52.

This article describes a number of entertainment options such as that are available through the Internet. The popularity of activities such as playing poker, watching movies, downloading music, and playing with virtual pets is briefly discussed. The author estimates that there are more than 200 online poker sites operating and the industry is worth approximately $2-billion (US).

5-Sep-05. Taking stock of the arts community. Edmonton Journal, A14.

In this opinion-style article, an Edmonton actor describes his involvement as a volunteer coordinator for bingos and charities. He notes the number of volunteers required and approximate earnings produced from these types of fundraising events. Raising charitable funds from gambling events is also shown to be a probable conflict of interest for his social action theatre company. The author laments that there are few other sources of funding available to support arts communities in Edmonton.

30-Aug-05. Protesters given time to prepare casino case. Calgary Herald, B7.

The Stoney First Nation will have to wait two more weeks to seek an injunction to prevent three band members from further blocking construction of a planned casino on the reserve west of Calgary. The three women were involved in a protest last month at a sod-turning ceremony for the proposed $27-million casino at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 40. They contend that the land is traditionally held by their family and that the site should be relocated to less sensitive land.

29-Aug-05. Problem gambler threatens casino lawsuit. Calgary Herald, A2.

A man claims that he gambled away nearly $500,000 of his life savings on slot machines at Casino Nova Scotia in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He has threatened to sue the provincial government in a bid to force it to become more aggressive in spotting gambling addicts within casinos.

29-Aug-05. Casino failed him. Calgary Sun, 12.

A man claims that he gambled away nearly $500,000 of his life savings on slot machines at Casino Nova Scotia in Sydney, Nova Scotia. He has threatened to sue the provincial government in a bid to force it to become more aggressive in spotting gambling addicts within casinos.

28-Aug-05. Taking a gamble on better casino food. Calgary Herald, D10.

This article reviews the new dining facilities at both the Elbow River Casino and Stampede Casino in the City of Calgary. The author notes that the Elbow River facility has been relocated to a brand new building. The Stampede Casino has plans to relocate to a new casino and hotel on the Stampede grounds by late 2007 or early 2008.

27-Aug-05. The casino industry? You betcha! Lethbridge Herald, E3.

This article provides information on casino dealers and casino dealer training at Casino Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta. Games Manager Terry Dennis notes that there are currently about 40 dealers on their roster and that many of them are local post-secondary students. New dealers are trained by the casino for approximately 60 hours before they begin working on the blackjack tables. The article also provides a brief history of the casino’s operations in the city.

27-Aug-05. More than just gambling. Lethbridge Herald, E3.

This article profiles the entertainment options available at Casino Lethbridge and its role as a city tourist attraction. Manager Lori Potter says that the casino is a big draw for Montana residents and guests from outside the Lethbridge area. The casino has of staff of more than 275 and offers 14 games tables, 299 video terminals, a poker room, a restaurant, deli, and lounge.

27-Aug-05. Local charities are the big winners. Lethbridge Herald, E3.

In this article, long-time Lethbridge charity casino advisor Brent Pedersen provides details on the workings of charitable casinos in Alberta. He notes that charitable groups generally earn $30,000 for two days of volunteer operations. Alberta law designates specific roles for volunteers taking part as bankers, chip runners, or cashiers. There are approximately 450 charities on the Lethbridge list and the casino is already booked ahead for the next 2.5 years.

25-Aug-05. Casino plan overtakes road deal. Calgary Herald, B1,2.

Calgary Alderman Craig Burrows says that a deal with the Tsuu T’ina First Nation on the city’s road network should have come before that nation started talking about a location for the casino. He also says that the city will have to find other bargaining techniques to ensure the southwest ring road is built. A Tsuu T’ina spokesperson maintains that the proposed casino and road deal are separate issues although negotiations with the city on both projects have been going well.

24-Aug-05. Concerns linger on casino plan. Calgary Herald, B3.

A presentation about a proposed casino on Tsuu T’ina First Nation land was made to residents of southwest Calgary communities by the Tsuu T’ina gaming commission and Sunco Developments. The meeting attracted approximately 200 residents of North Glenmore Park and Lakeview but was closed to the media. Concerns of area residents include increased traffic, Las Vegas-style lighting, the location being close to a residential area and concerns that the casino may attract a criminal element.

23-Aug-05. Casino addiction worse than booze. Calgary Herald, A3.

A newly published research study conducted at Calgary's Foothills Hospital reports that gamblers have stronger cravings for the casino than alcoholics have for alcohol. The article is published in the August issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research and its lead author is Dr. Hermano Tavares. Tavares, a Brazilian researcher, conducted the study on 49 pathological gamblers and 101 alcoholics while in Calgary on a fellowship.

20-Aug-05. Elders sued over casino. Calgary Herald, B1.

Three elderly members of the Stoney First Nation who helped force the cancellation of the July 28th sod-turning ceremony for a planned casino are being sued for delaying the project. The Stoney Nation is seeking damages of at least $30,000 in damages from the elders. Casino oppenents claim that many band members were duped into supporting the Nakoda Entertainment Resort and that not enough members voted in favour of the casino to generate the majority needed to pursue the project.

20-Aug-05. Band vote challenged. Calgary Sun, 10.

Three elderly sisters protesting a planned Stoney First Nation casino allege the resort was approved by a fraudulent vote. They are calling on Indian Affairs to investigate the casino vote which they say included only 1,331 band members out of 2,144 eligible to cast a ballot. The land where the $27-million casino is to be built traditionally belongs to the three sisters.

18-Aug-05. Native casino will be a smokers’ haven. Calgary Herald, A4.

The Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba is set to open a $1-million centre on Friday that will offer bingo halls and 20 video lottery terminals. Manitoba’s anti-smoking law does not apply to aboriginal reserves and may be an advantage in attracting patrons. Non-native bar owners in the province are expressing anger over the unequal application of the smoking law.

13-Aug-05. Native bands gamble on glittery casinos. Calgary Herald, B1.

This lengthy article discusses first nations' casino gambling in Alberta. Seven native casinos are proposed and are nearing final hurdles to development. The planned casinos have sparked fears that they will not be viable in a province close to the gambling saturation point. Provincial officials contend that economic studies have determined that there are markets for the casinos.

9-Aug-05. Gambling explosion feared in Calgary. Calgary Herald, A3.

Projections from Alberta Gaming indicate that the number of slot machines in the Calgary region will increase by 80 per cent if three planned new casinos are awarded licences to operate. The Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Tsuu T’ina First Nation casino, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nations casino would push the number of slot machines in the area to 3,395 and increase the government’s gambling revenue from the area to nearly half a billion dollars per year. Gambling researchers fear that the introduction of more electronic gaming machines will potentially cause more gambling-related problems. An Alberta Gaming spokesperson defended the casino licensing process and pointed to strong community consultation, analysis of economic viability, and benefits to charity.

9-Aug-05. Gateway Casino profits fall. Edmonton Journal, F5.

The Gateway Casinos Income Fund reports a lower second-quarter profit in comparison with a year ago despite higher revenues. The Palace Casino in Edmonton experienced a “challenge” with the recent smoking ban in the city but revenues were eleven per cent higher that during the same period in 2004. Gateway operates six casinos in Western Canada – five in British Columbia and one in Edmonton.

5-Aug-05. Natives refuse casino delays. Calgary Sun, 10.

The Stoney First Nation is determined to begin construction of a casino west of Calgary by the end of the month despite protesters threats to block the worksite. A spokesperson for the Stoney said a groundbreaking ceremony disrupted by protesters last week won't slow construction on the $27-million casino that is to open next fall at Highway 1 and Highway 40. A spokesperson for the protesters said that the casino is being built on land that the Stoney Nation has no traditional right to develop.

5-Aug-05. Elders going to court to fight casino. Calgary Herald, B2.

A Stoney First Nation family is prepared to seek a court injunction to stop the planned development of a casino on reserve land west of Calgary. Lawyer Christine Goodwin is representing the three native elders and says the family will attempt to keep the $27-million hotel and casino complex off of what they consider traditional family land. The Nakoda Entertainment Resort has been granted approval by the province and has fulfilled all the requirements of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

4-Aug-05. Confusion reigns over casino bid. Red Deer Advocate, A1.

Parkvale Community Association president Dawna Barnes said she does not know exactly what is included in expansion plans at the Jackpot Casino in downtown Red Deer. Association members fear that there has not been proper public consultation with respect to the project and that there is not enough time to gather input from local residents. Red Deer City council passed a resolution in 2002 saying that it would not comment on any casino applications and it does not plan to comment on the recent proposal by Jackpot casino according to deputy city clerk Nona Housenga.

3-Aug-05. Casino-expansion consultation process inadequate. Red Deer Advocate, A4.

This detailed article discusses a proposed expansion of the Jackpot Casino in downtown Red Deer and its impact on the residents of the nearby Parkvale community. It is noted that the Parkvale Community Association and the Jackpot Casino have been at opposite side of a number of issues in the past few years -- particularly those related to parking and traffic. The author then examines the roles of the Red Deer City council and the provincial gaming commission in the approval process.