Canada Horse Racing Industry “Rejuvenating” in Alberta

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Get your horse race betting on at Alberta’s new Century Mile Racino in Edmonton.

The province of Alberta is geared up for some fine horse racing this year as the Century Mile Racetrack, Edmonton’s brand new racino, held its grand opening on Monday, April 1, 2019. It was a unique choice, as it matches the former grand opening of the company’s Century Downs in Calgary, inaugurated on April 1, 2015. The two will share their anniversary celebrations for many years to come.

Located at 4711 Airport Perimeter Rd., near Edmonton International Airport, Century Mile has historic significance as well. The new facility is an emblem of the industry’s growth in Canada, being the first mile-long horse racing track this side of Ontario. Community and provincial leaders all turned out to share in the festivities with champagne, honorable speeches, and a grand tour of the Canada horse racing industry’s newest entertainment complex.

Horse Race Betting & More at Century Mile Racino

Although officials aren’t using the term “racino”, that’s exactly what Century Mile is. A racino is a race track that features casino games on the side. This new facility fits that bill to the letter. It features a state-of-the-art, mile-long track, an impressive grandstand and a capacious casino floor with gaming machines and tables. Add in a wide selection of F&B options, and you’ve got a complete entertainment package.

All told, the 3-story facility spans 89,700 sq.ft. The first floor is dedicated to casino patrons. It’s equipped with 550 slot machines and a variety of electronic table games, plus a selection of 14 video lottery terminals (VLTs). It also features a full restaurant, bar and lounge area.

The second floor belongs to the property’s prominent grandstand building. An extensive betting area is provided for live and simulcast race fans. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, along with a trio of private suites, a bar, a grill, and buffet dining.

Up on the third floor, visitors can enjoy an open patio with excellent views of the racetrack below – an exquisite option in the summer months when weather is at its finest.

Alberta, Canada Horse Racing Industry “Rejuvenating”

Horse Racing Alberta CEO Kent Verlik is extremely proud of what the province is doing for the Canadian horse racing industry. At yesterday’s grand opening celebration, he pointed out that horse racing generated $300 million for the province in 2015, and is poised to generate much more now following the launch of two more racetracks since then.

“We really believe this industry is rejuvenating, and it’s exciting to be part of that,” said Verlik.

“The first horse races took place in Alberta in the 1880s,” he continues. “We’ve had a proud racing history in and around the city of Edmonton for the past 118 years.”

Paul Ryneveld, Managing Director of Century Casinos – the company that laid the groundwork for Western Canada’s only one-mile track, featuring one of North America’s longest homestretch distances of 1,280 feet – is equally proud to be a part of the resurgence of horse race betting across Alberta.

“We can pursue better races and subsequently better horses over the next years for the benefit of horse racing and horse racing fans,” he said on Monday.

Century Downs in Calgary and the new Century Mile in Edmonton will each feature thoroughbred, standardbred and quarter-horse racing throughout the year.