New Entertainment Options Available in Castlegar

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 26, 2011) - Castlegar locals and visitors will have more entertainment options with the opening of the new Chances Castlegar community gaming centre. The B.C. Lottery Corporation (BCLC) and Berezan Management will welcome patrons with an opening ceremony this afternoon.

"BCLC would like to thank the City of Castlegar for its support and is proud to work with our service provider partners to open this new outstanding facility," says BCLC President Michael Graydon.

"Chances Castlegar will offer an exciting entertainment experience," says General Manager Chad Bullock. "Patrons can choose from a variety of chance games, enjoy a bite to eat with friends or just sit back and relax in the lounge."

Located at 100 Hall Road, the 20,000 square foot facility will feature 99 slot machines, one electronic blackjack machine and 150 electronic bingo seats on a 9,400 square foot gaming floor. Amenities include a restaurant, meeting rooms and a licensed lounge.

"I believe this facility will be a positive addition to the City of Castlegar," says Ralph Berezan, CEO of Berezan Management. "On top of job opportunities and attracting visitors, Chances Castlegar is expected to generate $9.6 million in net win after its first operating year – a portion of which will directly benefit the community."

This facility will replace Rocky Mountain Bingo in Cranbrook – a decision that was based on a thorough market place analysis and was approved by the City following a public consultation process.

BCLC is committed to revitalizing B.C.'s commercial bingo industry in a socially responsible manner. Chances Castlegar will have a self-serve GameSense Information Centre to provide customer education and support related to responsible play and problem gambling.

In 2004, BCLC launched its Community Gaming Centre (CGC) concept to help revitalize commercial bingo in the province. CGC's are developed by renovating existing commercial bingo halls, or by building a new facility in place of an old bingo hall.

BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation reporting to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General through a Board of Directors. Its mission is to offer responsible gaming entertainment, generating income for the public good.

BCLC is a provincial Crown Corporation that offers socially responsible gaming entertainment while generating income that benefits all British Columbians.