BY-LAW PERMITTING SLOT INSTALLATION AT HASTINGS RACECOURSE WITHSTANDS PETITION

- British Columbia Supreme Court Arrives at Favourable Decision for Great Canadian -
August 18, 2006 – Richmond, BC – Great Canadian Gaming Corporation [TSX:GCD] (the
“Company”) announced today that the petition filed by the Hastings Park Conservancy in the
Supreme Court of British Columbia has been dismissed. The petition sought an order to quash
the City of Vancouver by-law amendment permitting slot machines at Hastings Racecourse.
In her reasons for judgment, The Honourable Madam Justice Dorgan stated that, “I am satisfied
the decision to enact the by-law amendment allowing slot machines at Hastings Racecourse
was intra vires the City’s zoning powers. I am further satisfied that the City met its statutory
procedural obligations and there was no breach of common law procedural fairness obligations.
The petition is dismissed.”

The Company continues to work with City of Vancouver staff on the issuance of an appropriate
development permit. The Supreme Court’s decision remains open to appeal for 15 days.

ABOUT GREAT CANADIAN

Great Canadian is a multi-jurisdictional gaming and entertainment operator with facilities in
British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Washington State. Great Canadian operates
fourteen casinos, five thoroughbred or standardbred racecourses, a community gaming centre,
a hotel, a show theatre, and various food and beverage facilities. Further information is available
on the Company’s website, http://www.gcgaming.com/.

Great Canadian Gaming
August 18, 2006

GREAT CANADIAN GAMING CORPORATION [TSX:GCD]
Suite #200 - 13775 Commerce Parkway
Richmond, BC
V6V 2V4
Phone: (604) 303-1000
Fax: (604) 279-8605
Website: www.gcgaming.com

For investor enquiries:
Mr. Thomas Bell
Vice-President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

For media enquiries:
Mr. Howard Blank
Vice-President, Media & Entertainment

For racing related enquiries:
Mr. Raj Mutti
Director, Operations, Hastings Racecourse