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Author Yolina
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First Nations Casino Dene Seeks City’s Support for Easier Casino Access

Casino Dene is among the First Nations gaming venues with quite the history and impact on the local economy. Making sure all enthusiasts make it there in a time-efficient manner is crucial for the management and Cold Lake First Nations wanted to make a positive impact with an additional bus stop near the casino venue. Cold Lake officials pointed out that there are alternative traveling offerings that could be used, but a transit extension is not among them for now.

Casino Dene is a tribal gaming venue that has been a support for the community ever since 2007. It is no secret to anyone that First Nations are willing to oversee casino venues and they are on the constant pursuit of expanding them and fighting for a bigger slice of the provincial gaming pie. With a permit issued by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, this tribal casino facility has been in operation ever since that, supporting the tribal nation of Cold Lake.

Casino Venue Located 7.5 km from Cold Lake

On site of the gaming venue, there are some 10 table games, as well as about 250 slot machines, offering diverse gaming for anyone interested. The thing is that the casino location is situated some 7.5 km south of Cold Lake and this distance is not easily overlooked. Locals have expressed their position that there ought to be easier transportation there.

The gaming and entertainment venue is located on the reserve lands of Cold Lake First Nations and the First Nation is looking forward to improved transportation between the casino venue and the City of Cold Lake. The proposed plan for action was a transit extension to the Primco Deen situated on 8 Ave.

This extension was also supposed to make it easier for casino patrons to make it to and fro the venue. It should also be taken into account, that the location is frequented by people for its live performances and regular free entertainment. A transit extension would also be beneficial for them.

Budget Conversation Could See More Development

CAO Kevin Nagoya pointed out that there are many areas that also lack a bus stop and more work has to be put into the project if the casino venue is to benefit from it. Meanwhile, Cold Lake Travel Center has also joined the conversation for an additional bus stop that would facilitate traveling there.

Mr. Nagoya pointed out that the system is unable to cover the area in its entirety and there are gaps that leave something to be desired. Coun. Chris Vining joined the conversation, stating that there are people walking long distances on a daily basis and the addition of a new bus stop would equate to more expenses.

At the moment, Cold Lake is seeking ways in which it could reduce its traffic spending. Up to CA$130 per hour could be poured into a third bus added to the transit system of the area. Ultimate decision-making should happen in the most appropriate time, around the time when a budget is being discussed by officials.

In the meantime, Casino Dene employees have to commute there on a daily basis, while locals are also seeking ways in which they could travel to the casino venue in a convenient manner. First Nations casino operation deserves equal opportunities for development, as it has been highlighted in the past.

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Author Yolina

Author:

Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.