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The Century Downs Racetrack and Casino finally crossed the finish line Wednesday after what was a long and often bumpy ride.

First proposed in 2007, the casino portion of the Balzac-area project majority owned by Century Casinos Inc. was opened to enthusiastic gamblers who lined up outside its doors. The horse track is to host its first races later this month.

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“It’s been a long pregnancy,” quipped Max Gibb, vice-chairman of the United Horsemen of Alberta (UHA) and Century Downs.

Located on 21 hectares near the CrossIron Mills mall, the 33,500-square-foot casino includes 550 slot machines and electronic table games, an off-track betting room and a restaurant. A hotel is also planned for the site.

“This is a world-class facility,” said Bill Robinson, president and CEO of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, adding it will give horse racing in Alberta “a real shot in the arm.”

The United Horsemen of Alberta, formed in 2003, had hoped to open the horse track by 2007, but financial difficulties repeatedly delayed the project. A partnership with Colorado-based Century Casinos gave the venture needed financial backing for construction.