How poker works: Ten people will get to play free Texas hold 'em poker every Friday night in a fun atmosphere at Assiniboia Downs. The game begins at about 10 p.m. in the second-floor Clubhouse. The winner of each Friday's game will receive $100 to bet the races; the top two players each Friday will win seats in the grand finale to be held Friday, March 28 where the grand prize is $1,000 cash.

How do you get a seat into Friday's games? There are two ways--a guaranteed way and a "luck of the draw" way.
   (1) The guaranteed way: Watch exciting races on giant screens televised from Sam Houston race track in Texas and predict horses you think you will finish no worse than third. That's called "show parlay challenge." If your horses finish in the top three positions and pay better than horses picked by other entrants, you are guaranteed a poker seat. Five seats will be chosen this way. Enter your predictions prior to the third race, about 7:30 p.m. New to racing? Talk to Chelsea or Allan, the poker coordinators. One of them will be manning the microphone in the Clubhouse and will be glad to help you.
   (2) Luck of the draw: A draw will be held for the remaining seats, depending on how many entrants got in through the "guaranteed" method. At least five seats will be available in the draw. The draw will take place about 9:45 p.m. Fridays and anyone may enter his/her name to play.

Is there bar and food service? Yes.

What other fun is going on? Horseracing and VLTs.
   (1) Racing: races are televised Las Vegas-style from throughout Canada and the U.S. every day and night. Tips on betting the races are available on this website here.
   (2) VLTs: a comfortable VLT lounge features 140 VLTs with such games as the Frog Prince and Larry the Lobster. The Downs is opened from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the year (except Christmas) with free coffee and $5.99 and $7.99 meal specials all day and night.

Free parking and admission.