In the Canadian province of Alberta, the 249-room River Cree Resort and Casino with over of 1,460 slots alongside 46 gaming tables with baccarat, blackjack, roulette, poker and craps entertainment, has made it easier for families by bringing in a policy of increased indoor access for children.
Located on the western outskirts of Edmonton, the facility also features a plethora of meeting and conference spaces, a swimming pool, coffee shops, a fitness center, a pair of ice hockey rinks and a 2,500-seat concert hall known as The Venue.
Under the terms of its operating license from the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission, the 49-acre River Cree Resort and Casino had been prevented from letting minors enter any of its main indoor areas. Those under the age of 18 were forbidden from accessing casino areas with individual breeches bringing an immediate fine of at least $3,620.
However, the Edmonton Sun reports this policy from 2007 changed in February when gambling-friendly venues across the length and breadth of Alberta were given the green light on increased indoor access for minors.
Although the strict prohibition on juveniles in casino areas still applies, River Cree Resort and Casino disclosed youngsters accompanied by an adult are now able to enjoy family-friendly amenities including its ice hockey rinks and restaurants by walking through its main lobby and concourse.
“Previously, minors had to walk outdoors in all weather conditions to access the hockey rinks or community events in The Venue,” a River Cree Resort and Casino statement read.
“We would like to thank the government of Alberta and the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission for this solution to provide a better overall integrated resort experience.”
Despite this alteration, River Cree Resort and Casino explained those under the age of 18 are to still be forbidden from accessing its casino or loitering in surrounding areas.
The property went on to stress minors must now be accompanied by someone over the age of 18 any time they are on site and are to be similarly barred from attending adult shows in its The Venue concert hall, which includes the August 15 performance by Scottish hard rock band Nazareth in addition to the next day’s appearance by legendary American country music star Steve Earle.
Alan Campbell has been reporting on the global gambling industry ever since graduating from university in the late-1990s with degrees in journalism, English and history. Now headquartered in the northern English city of Sheffield, he has written on a plethora of topics, companies, regulatory developments and technological innovations for a large number of traditional and digital publications from around the planet.
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