N.B. keeps cards close as it examines casino proposals

The bets are now down as four proponents bid on the construction and operation of New Brunswick's first casino.

Finance Minister Victor Boudreau announced in the legislature on Thursday that four proposals were received.

"In a province of our size, this is an excellent representation of interested bidders," Boudreau said.

The bids were submitted by:

• CEI Investment Corp., which is made up of Carabetta Enterprises Inc. and Century Resorts International Ltd.
• Dieppe Resort and Casion Ltd., which includes Buttcon Energy Inc., Dundee Realty Corp. and ADI Group Inc.
• Maritime Casino ULC, including Paragon Gaming Inc., New Millennium Equities Inc., Ashford DG Holdings Inc., Cyr Holdings Inc. and Marriott Hotel International.
• Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Ltd. Partnership, composed of Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Ltd., Navegante Group Inc., Clairvest Group Inc. and 2050631 Ontario Inc.

The bids willbe examined by a committeebeing supervised by the consulting company KPMG. The proposals will be measured against preset criteria.

"Proponents have been instructed that they cannot initiate any communication with members of this legislative assembly that directive remains in effect until this process is complete," Boudreau said.

The winner of the contract is expected to be announced in May.

The details of the proposals are confidential. However, the request for proposals indicated the inclusion of other services such as harness racing, dining, accommodation,performance theatre and recreational facilities would be key factors in the bids' assessment.

When the government released itsgaming policy in November, it also indicated the casino would have between 400 and 800 electronic gaming terminals and at least 12 gaming tables.

The government will not provide any funding for the construction of the casino and the winning bidder will be responsible for all costs related to designing, building, financing and equipping the facility.

The construction of the gaming facility is required to be completed by 2010 and once it is open,the government projectsit will receive about $25 million in revenue from it annually.