Surrey turns down BCLC’s offer to host a casino

The Canadian city refused the BCLC’s request to build either a small gaming centre or an entirely new casino in their region.

Canada.- Not long ago, the Canadian city of Surrey recently got an offer from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation to host a small gaming centre or an entirely new casino in their town. Now, the city has turned down the offer, refusing the BCLC’s request to build a casino in their region.

A gambling policy established back in 2001 was the major reason why the city has decided to refuse BCLC’s offer. Under this policy there won’t be any new casinos allowed in the city unless it is part of a “cluster of facilities” in which it provides another service such as a hotel or meeting place.

Surrey’s mayor, Linda Hepner, explained that it would have to be an entire entertainment complex if it was going to be constructed within the city limits.However, this wouldn’t be the first gambling venue built within the city limits as Surrey already hosts the Elements Casino and Fraser Downs Racetrack.

The BCLC targeted Surrey as one of the three Western areas where a new casino could be setup. The corporation had already asked for expressions of interest from local governments around the area including the cities of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation.