The wait is finally over for Albertans, as the Red Deer Resort and Casino is now fully up and running.
Last Friday, the Energy Province’s newest gaming and hospitality venue hosted its grand opening ceremony to officially welcome customers.
The city’s “grandest” casino is located inside the former Capri Hotel building, a beloved property that has stood in downtown Red Deer for 50 years. The site’s new owners, the O’Chiese Business and Investment Centre, will honour its predecessor by upholding its commitment to outstanding service in a friendly, welcoming environment.
O’Chiese CEO, George Yammine, sees the project as a major win for the region, both today and in the future.
“The completion of the casino is a major milestone for us and the City of Red Deer,” Yammine said. “The casino will be a key driver of tourism and economic growth in the region, becoming a hub for entertainment for the region and beyond.”
New facility billed as Alberta’s leading gaming and hospitality centre
Although less than a week old, Red Deer’s latest draw has all the makings of a premier entertainment destination.
Inside the property is a 38,000-square-foot gaming floor, equipped with 349 slot machines, 16 gaming tables, and 2 VIP tables. Compared to other Alberta casinos, like the River Cree Resort and Casino, Red Deer is on the smaller end. However, O’Chiese says renovations will remain ongoing, allowing for greater gaming variety, and in turn, employment opportunities.
Part of the continued renovations is a new entertainment centre, which Red Deer management expects to be completed by November. The new entertainment hub is being built at the former site of the Longriders Saloon and Bellinis Sonic Lounge Nightclubs.
As mentioned earlier, the new venue is also sticking to its roots on the hospitality side of things. With 241 hotel rooms, 15 meeting rooms, and a 53,000-square-foot conference centre, both business and leisure stays are in the cards at Red Deer.
The facility will also contain several dining options, including the VLT Lounge, Garden Terrace Lounge, and R&R Restaurant.
Interior decor to pay homage to O’Chiese’s First Nation roots
On the outside, Red Deer Resort and Casino says Capri Hotel. On the inside, it says O’Chiese First Nation.
The venue’s revamped interior looks to respect the cultural heritage of its new ownership group with designs tied to nature. Sunrises over the Alberta prairies and sunsets over the Rocky Mountains inspired the aesthetic that will grace the casino space.
An integrated waterfall, which symbolizes shared values of a profound connection to nature, ancestral lands, and the spiritual importance of water will also be prominently on display.
