Can you still gamble at the casino in Penticton at the Lakeside – yes until sometime in May 2017.

Is the hotel happy to lose that attraction? Maybe – maybe not?

In a statement to the Penticton Herald Mayor Andrew Jakubeit described as “fantastic” the Lakeside’s plan to spend $2 million to expand its convention space, plus renovate and build new rooms, once the casino is gone. “The trick will be to complement, not compete, and to work on the greater good of getting more conventions and meetings to Penticton and area.”

Where is the casino going to go: PIB – over the new bridge? To land near the Penticton Events Centre just purchased? Nothing concrete – thinks it all is in flux. The players are on stage.

Lake City Casinos say it has no plans to leave the city.  In a statement released: “We’re not looking to go elsewhere in the region. We’re committed to Penticton and remaining there and providing the best gaming and entertainment experience we can,” said spokeswoman Tanya Gabara.

This is a story about conjecture. Nothing firm – Lakeside and Casino could patch up differences once a lease is extended. City of Penticton could find a hotel proponent for its land to house the casino. The PIB could attract the Casino – but there are complications and delays to each plan.

Tough to have a alternative built by the end of the present lease in less than two years.

It’s a bit of heat in the press – story time.

We will keep you informed on where you can get your casino fix.