River Rock Casino Resort
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| Number of rooms | 220 | |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | West Coast rainforest | |
| Gaming space | 70,000 ft² (6503 m²) | |
| Permanent show(s) | None | |
| Signature attraction(s) | River Rock Show Theatre | |
| Notable restaurant(s) | Runway 26 Buffet, Fireside Lounge | |
| Owner | Great Canadian Gaming | |
| Date opened | 25 June 2004 | |
| Casino type | Land-Based | |
| Major renovation(s) | None | |
| Previous name(s) | None | |
| Casino website | River Rock Casino Resort | |
River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, British Columbia is the largest casino in the province of British Columbia.[1] The casino is owned by Great Canadian Gaming. In addition to its 222 rooms,additional lodging space is available at the 144-berth marina.
The casino has 10,000 visitors per day on average and generated an annual revenue of $244 million as of August 2006.[2]
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[edit] History
The casino was built on the former site of the Bridgepoint Market in Richmond. It first opened to the public on 25 June 2004.
Several variances were need from the City of Richmond to allow it to open with service that customers expect. This included a modification of its liquor license and operating license to allow liquor to be consumed in the casino's theatre. [3]
Hosted the British Columbia Poker Championships in November 2005 and will do so again in November 2006.
The 2006 Gemini Awards were presented at the River Rock Casino Resort, marking the ceremonies' West Coast debut; the event is normally held in Toronto. [4] [5]
[edit] Loan sharking controversy
As the biggest casino in the province, River Rock has also attracted some criminal activities to the area. A report released by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation showed that out of 56 incidents of a casino patron in British Columbia being barred from gambling for suspected loan sharking activity, 34 of those incidents took place at River Rock. [6] [7] Controversy within Richmond was further stirred when the RCMP admitted it could do little to stop loan sharking unless a victim came forward, yet it was the suspected motive for a variety of kidnappings, extortions, threats and violence. [8] The most prominent case occurred when Rong Lilly Li, a suspected loan shark, disappeared after last being seen getting into a van outside the casino on 26 May 2006. Her body was finally recovered on the weekend of 9-10 September 2006. [9]
[edit] Transportation
Bus service, operated by TransLink, is provided via bus routes within walking distance of the casino. The bus rapid transit 98 B-Line's Sea Island Way stop is also close to the casino.
The casino is also located about five minutes from Vancouver International Airport, on Richmond's Sea Island. It is also near Highway 99, the main highway connecting Vancouver to the southern suburbs.
In 2009, the casino will be served by the rapid transit Canada Line; the line's Bridgeport Station will be located across from the casino.
[edit] River Rock Casino and the film industry
Because the Vancouver area has a big film industry, River Rock has played host to various productions looking for casino filming locations. While this is generally well received, there have been some unfortunate incidents. On 8 November 2006, three photographers made their way onto a closed section of the hotel's balcony intending to photograph actress Denise Richards during filming of the movie Blonde and Blonder. In an ensuing argument, she allegedly threw a laptop computer belonging to one photographer off the balcony, striking an elderly, wheelchair-using lady on the arm. [10] [11]
The casino was also prominently featured in the Psych episode entitled "Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Piece."
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/Spring2005/BizGolf.htm
- ^ http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?articleID=2350277&pageID=bc_archive
- ^ http://www.richmond-news.com/issues05/075105/news/075105nn4.html
- ^ http://www.cknw.com/news/news_local.cfm?cat=7428327912&rem=34161&red=80132723aPBIny&wids=410&gi=1&gm=news_local.cfm
- ^ http://www.vancourier.com/issues05/101105/news/101105nn9.html
- ^ "Crime at River Rock", CKNW, 16 August 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
- ^ Skelton, Chad. "Richmond sees rash of casino-related crime", The Vancouver Sun, 16 August 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
- ^ Bennett, Nelson. "Clapham cracks down on loan sharks", Richmond News, 18 August 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
- ^ Edmonds, Eve. "Murder victim last seen at casino", Richmond News, 29 September 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
- ^ "Laptops thrown by actress hit seniors: police", CBC, 9 November 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
- ^ "No charges against actress Richards, RCMP say", CBC, 10 November 2006. Retrieved on 11 November 2006.
