Dawn Ostrem
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 12/00) - One corner of the Ndilo gymnasium was transformed from a rec centre to...well, a different kind of recreation centre last weekend.

A little Las Vegas in Ndilo was partitioned off from the rest of the community where faces could be seen peeking between the shoulders of spectators gathered around one of the four blackjack tables in the makeshift casino.

"The reason why we have the casino is to offset the costs of the carnival," said organizer and recreation director for the Yellowknives Dene Band, Kevin Daniels. "Personally I find it easier to run than a bingo and the end product is better."

So, the Ndilo casino, comprised of the four blackjack tables, a crown and anchor as well as a Nevada table, certainly drew the crowds, especially after bingo ended downtown.

Daniels estimates that the fund-raiser brought in over 100 people, at least. The profits from the adult games room neared the $1,000 mark, making it obvious the fun and games of the entire Ndilo carnival were paid for and enjoyed by the community.

"We really took a chance by changing the carnival. We gave it a midway effect and opened it up as much as we possibly could," said organizer and youth and family counsellor for the Yellowknives Dene Jeannette Erasmus.

Carnival games such as the pistol shoot, dart throw and hockey targets could be played by day. By night the doors were shut to the underaged and opened to those wanting to place a bet. Betting started at $1 and climbed to a maximum of $10.

"Casino's are a gamble," said suited-up blackjack dealer Adam Pich, as he shuffled his deck across the gambling table. Although he is the owner of In City Moving by day, he also teaches blackjack dealing.

"Most non-profit organizations run a bingo because it's more of a sure thing. Bingos are a one-time fee and with casinos, the dealer may not win."

But as the crowd thickened while the sound of gambling chips clinked and the shuffling of playing cards snapped, people were laughing and having a good time in Ndilo this weekend. On Monday the local gymnasium may have still echoed with those sounds and a faded, "hit me."