A charity will be the big winner at an upcoming poker celebrating an expansion at Starlight Casino in Queensborough.
Gateway Casinos and Entertainment has opened a new poker room at the Starlight Casino New Westminster. The new four-table poker room features “no limit” and “limit” stakes at varying levels, seven flat-screen televisions and its own exclusive menu with a daily breakfast special.
“Our guests spoke, and we listened,” said Saad Fadl-Alla, general manager of Starlight New Westminster. “We are thrilled to be adding poker to our portfolio of gaming options.”
To celebrate its expansion, Gateway is holding a charity poker tournament on Thursday, Oct. 12. Participants will sit down to play in support of a charity of their choice.
Mayor Patrick Johnstone is among those participating in the tournament.
“I am excited to have been invited to Starlight Casino’s charity poker tournament in their new poker room,” he said in a news release. “I will be joining a fantastic roster of local celebrities, all playing for charitable causes that are meaningful to them. I’m sure it will be a memorable evening.”
Other participants scheduled to participate include: former professional poker player Matt Jarvis; Canadian pickleball champion Steve Deakin; New West councillor Ruby Campbell; Musqueam Indian Band Chief Wayne Sparrow; MMA fighter Gary Mangat; and actors Aaron Douglas, Ryan Robbins and Aleks Paunovic.
Joel McCready, former National Lacrosse League player and New Westminster Sr. Salmonbellie and current senior director lacrosse operations with Canucks Sports and Entertainment, is also participating, as is Chris Sabat, account executive with the BC Lions Football Club.
Mike Cameron and Chad Black of New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services are also taking part in the charity poker tournament.
Casino guests are invited to watch the action unfold from the sidelines. The poker tournament will start at 6 p.m.
Starlight Casino’s new poker room is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. It’s open 24 hours a day on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We are also the only casino in the province that now offers $2 to $3 No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, as well as single blind $5 Limit Omaha,” said Fadl-Alla. “For the first time ever, poker enthusiasts in British Columbia have access to these games.”
