Gaming News

Companies want Calgary loophole closed

CALGARY -- As reported by the Calgary Herald: "Faced with slumping profits, two Calgary gaming companies want the province to close a loophole in the smoking ban that permits gamblers to light up on First Nation casinos.

"Gamehost Income Fund, which owns the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, reported last week that it made nearly a million dollars less in the second quarter of 2008 -- a slide of more than five per cent compared to last year.

"Sam Switzer, who owns the Elbow River Casino, estimates his profits are down by at least 25 per cent.

"Both blame at least part of the problem on the fact First Nations casinos can still welcome smokers in their facilities, despite a provincewide smoking ban imposed on Jan. 1.

"...Local casinos want to meet with the province to push for all gambling establishments to follow the same rules.

"...After Alberta's smoking ban took effect, both the Tsuu T'ina Nation, which opened the $40-million Grey Eagle Casino last December, and the Stoney Nakoda Nation, which launched the $60-million Nakoda Entertainment Resort in the spring, invoked federal bylaw exemptions for Native lands.

"That let both First Nations avoid the provincial Tobacco Reduction Act, which bans smoking in all public places and workplaces, including bars, casinos and bingo halls..."

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