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.