Canadian Casino Company Eyes Olympic Expansion
The Winter Olympics of 2010 will bring throngs to British Columbia, and with them will come an opportunity for casino operators to expand and cash in. The Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, Canada's largest casino and gambling company, has announced plans to add 200 rooms to the existing 222 rooms at its River Rock Casino and Resort.
Great Canadian will also be adding additional parking, retail, and office space, in anticipation of the demand which will preced the Olympics to Vancouver. Other hoteliers are looking to expand room capacity, and Gateway Casinos Income Fund is opening a 200-room hotel complete with convention center later this year.
Tourism officials expect the Olympic economic boom to provide thousands of jobs, and jumpstart increased tourism on a permanent basis, as well as during the weeks of the Olympic events.
Great Canadian, foreseeing a need for entertainment apart from the sports competition, desires to make playing at its casino as convenient as possible, and considering the current high occupancy rate, knows an increase in room space will surely pay off.
"By both increasing the number of hotel rooms at River Rock and upgrading its amenities and retail offerings, we will further establish the property as a destination resort," Great Canadian chairman and chief executive Ross McLeod said yesterday.
The Olympics brings billions of dollars in spending and high-rollers from around the world to its host cities, and Vancouver and Canadian casinos want to establish a world-class reputation, one which lasts long after the Olympics have moved on.
