Faced with space constraints and limited parking, Alberta’s Jackpot Casino has outgrown its current location in downtown Red Deer and is expected to propose a relocation and merger project with the Cambridge Hotel in coming weeks–both properties are operated by the O’Chiese Band.
The upcoming proposal to the city of Red Deer to merge the casino with the existing resort will be reviewed by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), and a final decision is expected sometime later this year.
The AGLC website will feature a portal for community feedback regarding the potential move through May 2.
Jackpot’s CEO Georges Yammine told the Red Deer Advocate that the idea of merging the two properties had been brewing since 2017 when the tribe originally acquired the Cambridge Hotel. He noted that all the pieces are there, it just “makes sense” to put them all together.
Jackpot Casino’s current downtown location is limited in parking and not easily accessible, both of which have been sticking points for older patrons.
Conversely, the Cambridge has ample space as well as all the standard amenities, including entertainment spaces and ballrooms. The new casino-resort is expected to expand clientele to accommodate much more tourist and convention industry traffic.
Yammine said that the new project would bolster local economics in numerous ways, such as new job creation opportunities, more money for public programs and increased tax revenue. He valued the total economic impact at about $11 million, initially.
According to Red Deer city officials, no request has officially been submitted yet, but once it is, the review process will begin. The project will have to go through multiple stages of review, including impact assessments for the environment and local communities.
Even if the application is eventually approved, there is another appeal period in which residents can once again raise questions or concerns.
