Victoria casino hopefuls asked to submit proposals

Short-listed companies eager to run a casino in Victoria will get a chance to square off this winter.

B.C. Lottery Corp. announced Thursday that it is launching its request-for-proposal process late this year.

Applicants will be asked to submit a proposal that “demonstrates their commitment to responsible gambling and social responsibility,” the corporation said in a statement.

The corporation will first pick its preferred company. After that, location, size and scope will be determined.

B.C.’s Gaming Control Act gives the final say to the City of Victoria.

Under provincial rules, the city has to solicit and consider input from the community before approving any gaming facility. If the city doesn’t want it, then the proposal does not go ahead.

The lottery corporation earlier decided that Victoria would be the site of a new casino, with the idea that it would be smaller than the one in View Royal.

Victoria staff said last year that lottery corporation had shortlisted the Great Canadian Gaming Corp., Gateway Casinos, Chances Gaming Entertainment and Gamehost Inc.

Great Canadian Gaming Corp.’s View Royal Casino is being expanded, more than doubling its size with an additional 42,000 square feet. Once the project is finished this year, the facility will be rebranded Elements Casino Victoria. A grand opening date is set for May 5.

The expansion includes a 600-seat entertainment venue and new restaurants as well as more slot machines, electronic games and table games.