Recently, Treasure Cove Casino in Prince George, British Columbia, informed that it is looking to expand its liquor offerings. Management of the gaming property is seeking the go-ahead from the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to allow liquor service across its bingo area and its second floor, thus increasing its liquor services occupancy from 2,016 to 3,004 patrons.
Like any other casino property in the country, the Prince George amenity has also been hard hit by the unprecedented situation, as it was closed down due to provincial health and safety lockdowns. The increase in its patron occupancy would provide the facility to welcome more guests to its premises and help it recover from the previous closure.
Gaining Local Support
Currently, Treasure Cove Casino is serving alcohol on its gaming floor, show lounge, and café area. But if the B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch approves its request, it would be able to expand it further. In addition to that, the casino expressed a desire to extend its alcohol service hours from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, as on Friday and Saturdays it is required to stop service at 1 a.m.
On Monday, this week, City Council will discuss whether it would back the casino in its request for expansion. Deanna Wasnik, city director of planning and development said that the closest venue to the casino that offers liquor is the Prince George Playhouse, which is located west of the property. Thus, the casino’s existing buffer strip of 33.0 along the south property line provides screening and noise reduction to local houses.
She further elaborated that due to that, Administration does not anticipate a significant impact from the expansion of the said areas in the casino. Back in 2012, the City backed the casino’s appeal to include a casino gaming area in the Treasure Cove’s liquor license, and then again in February 2022, the council supported the idea of expanding liquor service to the lounge.
Richard Duval, director of the Van Bien Community Association, also declared his support for the casino’s request. In a letter, he stated that the association supports the applications for changes to the liquor-serving regulations. He said that they do not expect a negative impact on the community and that the change would be a boost for the property considering the previous closures.
Back to Work
After the emergence of the unprecedented situation in March 2020, Treasure Cove Casino was required to stay closed down for almost 16 months. Back in July 2021, B.C. entered Stage 3 of its business reopening plan which allowed the casino to renew work. The facility started operations on July 1, 2021, with 80% of its staff while bingo offerings recommence on July 5, 2021,
Home to Many Jackpot Wins
During its years of exceptional operations, the Prince George gaming property has awarded numerous hefty jackpots to its patrons. For instance, back in 2019, local resident Brittany Hammell recently snatched an impressive windfall worth CA$1,060,703.14 by playing Wheel of Fortune Hawaiian Getaway. She won her life-changing prize on August 20, 2019, and became the latest casino-made millionaire in the region.
Source: Williams, Arthur “Beer and bingo? Casino looks to expand liquor service area, hours”, Prince George Citizen, April 8, 2022
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Author: Yolina
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.