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Press Room
Paragon Buys Vancouver Casino
September 5, 2006
Canadian News Wire
Paragon BC, ULC, a division of Paragon Gaming Inc. (Paragon), a Las Vegas-based gaming company, has purchased Edgewater Casino, Inc. in downtown Vancouver at the Plaza of Nations and plans to enhance the gaming and entertainment experiences for local guests and visitors from around the world.
Diana Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Paragon Gaming, said the company will make Edgewater the premier destination casino in the Vancouver market. Paragon will improve Edgewater Casino's facilities and operations; increase its profile in the local market; and has commenced the recruitment of local talent with successful track records in the Vancouver gaming industry.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our operations and establish a presence in Vancouver," said Bennett. "This is a world-class, cosmopolitan city that deserves an entertainment complex to sustain the vibrancy of Vancouver and complement its spectacular waterfront settings."
The Edgewater, which benefits from its excellent location on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver, is a 30,000-plus square foot gaming facility, currently offering over 500 multi-denominational slot machines and all the popular table games.
"Paragon is committed to improving the guest experience at Edgewater Casino and the company will act promptly to improve the property and enhance operations," added Bennett.
Over the next several months, Paragon plans to reposition Edgewater Casino by:
- Reaching out to the 300,000-plus people who live near the casino and the thousands of tourists who visit downtown Vancouver each year and advising them of the unique gaming and entertainment experience available to them;
- Enhancing exterior signage and way-finding, (in accordance with Vancouver bylaws), to increase the profile of the casino and make it easier to locate;
- Upgrading the food and beverage services, enhancing the lighting and improving seating in the lounge areas, thereby allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy the ambience at the Casino;
- Ensuring that the Edgewater's facilities and services are reflective of the multicultural make-up and diversity of Vancouver;
- Working closely with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) to deliver gaming in a responsible manner;
- Improving the overall gaming experience with a team of casino professionals presenting a mix of exciting slot machines and table games;
- Increasing casino entertainment options by adding comedy festivals, concerts, community and cultural events; and
- Increasing parking at Edgewater and shuttle transportation to and from the casino to make the process easier and hassle free for guests.
"Our intention is to grow with the existing staff at Edgewater Casino and work with them and our partners to continually improve the experience for our guests - every single time they come through our doors," said Bennett.
As part of its plan to make Edgewater the premier gaming destination in Vancouver, Paragon has hired an experienced and senior local team, including Barry Pritchard as Vice-President & General Manager to oversee all day-to-day details of the repositioning and ongoing operation.
"His expertise of gaming operations and knowledge of the gaming industry makes him an integral part of Edgewater Casino," said Bennett.
Mr. Pritchard brings nearly 25 years of gaming experience to Edgewater, including leading roles in various property openings across Canada. From his start as a dealer in 1981 in Edmonton, Alberta, Barry successfully progressed through the ranks. While with Great Canadian Gaming, Barry served as General Manager with the operation in Coquitlam, Nanaimo and its River Rock Casino Resort.
"I am excited by the prospects of combining my understanding of the Vancouver gaming market with Paragon's extensive gaming and entertainment business expertise. Our goal at Edgewater is to ensure that the more than half a million adults living in Vancouver know that they can come and have a great time at Edgewater," added Pritchard.
