Chilliwack – At this past Tuesday’s Council meeting, Chances Chilliwack asked council for a change to allow for the introduction of table games to the current compliment of slot machines and bingo equipment at the existing gaming facility.
In a vote of 3-2, the motion passed but not before there was plenty of discussion on gaming table security and concerns over game sense, money laundering and gangs.
Councilor Sue Knott, Executive Director for the Chilliwack Hospice Society, removed herself from the vote citing she was too close to the situation and perceived conflict of interest.
Councilors Sheilds, Lum and Mercer were in favour. Councilors Westeringh and Kloot were opposed. Mayor Popove was on holidays.
The Council agenda can be found here.
The Knight Road Legacy Association represents 48 local non-profits, community groups and charities that support the Chilliwack community in a myriad number of ways.An important source of revenue for 48 organizations is the annual performance payments received from Chances Chilliwack. That amounted to approximately $640,000 in 2018, and has totaled more than $2.7 million since Chances Chilliwack opened.
A group like the Chilliwack Alano Club and Chilliwack Hospice Society are two of the 48 that benefit from this program.
The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce and the Chilliwack Lions Club endorsed this proposal.
Chances release a statement on Wednesday morning: Chances Chilliwack is pleased to announce the City of Chilliwack has approved its application for the introduction of live-dealer table games. “We are thrilled with the outcome of the vote and look forward to introducing six live-dealer table games at Chances Chilliwack as early as this fall,once all final approvals are in place,” stated Shawn Duncan, Director, Operations at Chances Chilliwack. Duncan added, “With this addition, we will be able to introduce another exciting option for our guests and create a memorable experience that a full service gaming property can offer.”
As required under the Gaming Control Act, Chances Chilliwack worked with British Columbia Lottery Corporation(“BCLC”) to address all necessary requirements prior to the approval received by the City of Chilliwack and will continue to work with BCLC to address any further obligations. Final approvals are still required from BCLC and the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch.Games offered will include a mix of Blackjack, Texas Hold’em and Four Card Poker.
Chances Chilliwack currently offers300 slot machines, bingo and simulcast horse racing, employs over 100 team members and has supported 106local charitable and community organizations in the past year. The addition of live-dealer games is expected to generate 20-25 new positions on the Chances Chilliwack team.Chances Chilliwack is owned and operated by Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
