Chances is set to open

The long delayed opening of Chances Prince Rupert is finally at hand.

As the workmen make their final touch ups and the shuttle bus driver familiarizes himself with the fastest route from the Rupert Hotel to the new gambling hall, the management and staff are getting ready for opening night.

The North coast's newest entertainment centre, is set to open its doors at 5:30 this evening as a a member of the Royal Canadian legion raises the flag at 5:40.

What will follow over the next two and a half hours will be a number of speeches and presentations for an invited VIP guest list, heralding the arrival of what is described by the BC Lottery Corporation as a "first-class gaming entertainment facility".

Superlatives it seems are a pre-requisite for the BC Lottery Corporation, similar announcements for centres recently opened in Fort St. John and Port Alberni are described as "one of a kind" and "World class".

The Prince Rupert announcement includes both "one of a kind" and "first class" in its description making ours extra special we guess..

The speechifying gets underway at 6:30, followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Scheduled to speak tonight are:

Craig Briere, President, Chances Prince Rupert,

Marsha Walden, Vice President of Bingo Gaming, BCLC,

Herb Pond, Mayor, City of Prince Rupert

Susan Marsden, President, Prince Rupert Bingo Association

Once the speeches are done and the ribbon is cut, the doors to the gaming centre will be opened to the public.

The Chances page on the BC Lottery website describes the Chances operations province wide, as featuring a number of activities for local residents:

Games available at Chances locations include paper-based and electronic bingo, a full range of lottery products and a selection of other gaming options, such as slot machines, off-track betting or electronic gaming that varies from location to location.

The Rupert operation will also feature a convention hall, lounges and dining area, all designed to add to the gambling experience and to live up to the branding statement that "fun is good".

Doors for the public are scheduled to open at 8, once all the VIP's have cleared out of the way. Hope they leave some winnings in the slot machines for the little people!