Century Downs, also known as Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, is a horse racing track and casino located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It was developed by Century Casinos Inc., an Austrian-based company that operates casinos around the world. The facility combines elements of horse racing with gaming options, offering visitors a unique entertainment experience.
Overview and History
Century Downs opened its doors on August Century Downs casino online 10, 2017, marking a significant milestone in Canadian gaming history. Built at a cost of approximately CAD $40 million, it features an all-weather racetrack for thoroughbred horse racing as well as various gaming areas. The complex spans over 200 acres and includes parking spaces for thousands of cars.
The facility aims to provide job opportunities to Calgarians while serving as an economic driver for the region through its operations.
Racetrack Operations
Century Downs’ racetrack operates on a standard all-weather surface, accommodating thoroughbred horse racing. It adheres to standard race track dimensions and layouts but offers an expanded racing program compared to traditional Canadian tracks due in part to its unique features like longer stretches for speedier races.
The facility is open year-round with various events catering to different demographics such as day-long meets, evening dashes under the lights, charity galas, etc. This provides patrons options to suit their schedules and preferences while supporting diverse social objectives through fundraising activities.
Types of Racing Events
Century Downs hosts an array of racing formats including:
- Evening racing events: usually held during evening hours allowing for daytime job attendants and providing excitement under the track lights.
- Daytime meets: feature a more classic schedule, adhering to morning-to-late afternoon timings for patrons attending work or school.
These different types cater to various visitor preferences while maximizing space efficiency within their operational setup.
Gaming Options
The casino area offers several options including slot machines and electronic gaming devices. Patrons can choose between denominations ranging from a few cents per play up to tens of dollars, depending on personal preference for speed or big wins.
It is worth mentioning that Century Downs strictly enforces responsible gambling practices; patrons are encouraged to gamble within their means while the facility ensures fair odds through regular audits and third-party gaming regulation.
Racetrack Dining Experience
Inside its grounds Century Downs features multiple dining venues with menus offering various cuisine options. Guests can enjoy either fine dining, quick snacks or leisurely meals at restaurants, pubs, cafes and other food outlets.
These establishments are strategically positioned across the complex allowing guests to easily combine a gaming session with mealtime, enhancing their overall experience without leaving the premises.
Special Events
Century Downs hosts special events on various occasions such as:
- Seasonal galas for holiday celebrations (e.g. Thanksgiving Day Gala or New Year’s Eve event)
- Charity meets where racing participants can participate and raise funds
- Themed nights promoting diverse cultural awareness. These activities contribute positively to the social aspect of its operation.
Demographics
While there is no definitive data available, industry professionals anticipate a considerable proportion of visitors will be 45 years old or above; a large number being couples attending events together while families with teenagers can also enjoy day-time meets.
This information highlights an anticipated age range for patrons but notes this isn’t universally applied as attendance demographics can change due to varied factors such as new marketing strategies.
Impact and Reception
The initial launch was met with skepticism by some of the long time horse racing enthusiasts citing reasons related to track safety, competition and local market saturation.
However over time Century Downs has demonstrated its value as a job creator for Calgary residents while also contributing positively to regional growth through increased tourism.
This in-depth look at Century Downs illustrates both its history, operations, gaming aspects along with other attractions.