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.