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Casino Calgary (Calgary, Alberta)
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 1420 Meridian Road NE
Calgary, AB
T2A 2N9
(403) 248-9467
WEBSITE: http://www.casinoabs.com
SIZE: 57,000-square-feet*
TABLE GAMES: 28*
SLOT MACHINES: 812 + 10 VLTs*
POKER ROOM: YES (8)
AMENITIES: Dining room, lounges.
* Casino ABS web site (May, 2011)
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DESCRIPTION
Casino Calgary is one of four casinos in the province owned by Casino ABS. It is located toward the east side of Calgary and not far from the busy east-west Trans-Canada highway and north-south Barlow Trail. This casino is reportedly among the most successful in the province.
HISTORY
Casino Calgary opened in May 1997. Since it opened in 1997, Casino Calgary has undergone several renovations and two major expansions to more that triple its size.
Casino ABS was founded by the late Heinz Oldach who had been running charitable casinos in Alberta since 1973. Oldach began his business career as general manager of the carnival rides arm of Acme. When he was 28, Oldach and Acme colleague Harry Nash bought the carnival company, added new rides, and, in 1973, incorporated Alberta Bingo Supplies Ltd. (hence the name ABS).
OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Casino Calgary is is privately owned by Casino ABS (Alberta Bingo Supplies, Ltd.). ABS was incorporated 1973 and is Canada’s oldest casino operator and largest operator in the Province of Alberta. Casino ABS owns four Alberta casinos.
RECENT EVENTS
A Smoking Bylaw made Calgary's public places (including casinos and commercial bingo halls) smoke-free effective January 1, 2008.
In November 2005, a six-week strike by workers ended after accepting a contract which gives casino staff a 4.5 per cent wage increase over two years.
In 2004, Casino Calgary nearly doubled its size when it added a 27,000-square-foot addition in at a reported cost of $5-million. The expansion allowed more non-gaming amenities as required by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, including a stage, restaurant, lounge, and public areas such as a nearly three-storey atrium and an indoor waterfall.
COMPETITION
Casino Calgary operates in competition with five other existing casinos in the City of Calgary as well as the Grey Eagle casino which is located on land adjacent to south-west Calgary and owned by the Tsuu T’ina First Nation.
Casino ABS is at its regulated limit of four casinos across Alberta.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Casino ABS web site
“Casino betting on expansion” Calgary Sun, June 17, 2003.
“The Casino Royals: The ‘Ka-Ching’ crowd: Casino owners have staked millions of dollars on satisfying Albertans’ raging hunger for gambling. And the biggest player at the table in Heinz Oldach” Edmonton Journal, Aug. 27, 2000. p. E7.
Big players tend to keep a low profile: FROM GRIME TO GLITZ/ Alberta's gaming industry has matured, moving from the dingy little gambling dens of 30 years ago to today's glamour palaces. Edmonton Journal, Aug 27, 2000. p. E8.
Last Updated: 05/13/11 by Rhys Stevens
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