Central City businesses pitch in to host holiday bash on Dec. 18

Flying in the face of a dreadful economy, which has put many office parties into limbo land, Central City is throwing a Holiday Business Bash to beat the band.

The historic town up the hill is hosting a free Holiday Business Bash catering to smaller companies who want to host a party, but don’t have the budget, along with holiday party-orphaned individuals who just want to join in the festive season.

The festivities include live music and dancing, a karaoke bar, dessert buffet, psychic readings, photos with Santa, cash and prize drawings and free food at participating Central City casinos.

“Central City has holiday atmosphere and ambience in spades,” said Joe Behm, president of the Central City Business Improvement District. “Knowing some companies may still be scaling back for the holidays, the businesses of Central City came together to host a big, free business holiday bash, and individuals are welcome too. There will be holiday activities at every casino…and tons of fun to be had all around town.”

The hearty party starts Saturday (Dec. 18) at 7 p.m., and goes through midnight. Required check-in is at Century Casino, 101 Main St., for guests who must be 21 or older. Reservations required at centralcityparkway.com/businessbash or at 303-327-2255.

“Stop in to Century Casino to register and receive a special party (wrist) band to participate in all of the individual casino activities,” said Mickey Rosenbaum, Century general manager. “It’s the ultimate office party with co-workers and friends where you don’t have to worry about what the boss might think!”

Free buses will be available at select locations around the Denver metro area.

Bus fuss. I told you in a previous column about the split between Black Hawk and Central City in terms of the shuttle bus system that offers gamers free transportation between the two towns.

On Dec. 8, the Central City Council authorized staff to pursue a contract with a transportation provider, according to Central City Manager Alan Lanning. “The proposed service would look very much like the old service with a dedicated CC shuttle, wrapped to provide distinct CC identification,” Lanning said. “Stops are yet to be determined, but a schedule and route have been proposed.” Some of the details are still being worked out, so stay tuned.

Cracking down. The Colorado Gaming Association is working with the Division of Gaming, district attorneys and the judiciary to strengthen penalties for underage casino gambling. Currently, violation of the law for anyone less than 21 years of age gambling or lingering is a Class 2 misdemeanor with a minimum penalty of three months in jail and a $250 fine. But, according to the gaming association, Colorado’s crowded court system and the cost of legal proceedings often discourages district attorneys from prosecuting underage gamblers, which leaves Colorado without an effective deterrent.

“There needs to be real consequences for underage gamblers, just as there are for underage drivers and underage alcohol consumers,” said Michael Smith, president of the CGA. “The industry believes the problem is prevalent enough that we’d like to see some statutory changes.”

One idea under consideration would change the classification of underage gambling from a Class 2 misdemeanor to a petty offense, which would allow law enforcement officers to immediately issue tickets to offenders, leaving the offenders with the option of appearing in court or simply paying the fine, similar to the way traffic tickets are handled.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.