Alberta gaming regulator upholds decision to deny Camrose casino relocation to Edmonton

Alberta's gaming regulator has reaffirmed its 2022 decision to reject the relocation of a casino from Camrose to Edmonton. A panel, in its hearing decision last week, stated that the plan lacked sufficient community support and that it would have negative consequences for local casinos and racing entertainment areas. 

Laura Cunningham-Shpeley, Executive Director of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, emphasized the concerns raised by Edmonton non-profit organizations regarding the potential negative impact on their programs and services.

Edmonton organizations opposing the move feared the relocated casino would have taken away some of their charitable gaming revenue since the property was meant to be located in the city, despite being classified as a rural casino, reports CBC News.

Capital City Casinos, in a news release last year, warned that the casino would be forced to close if the relocation was not approved. The company submitted a relocation proposal in 2021, which was subsequently denied by the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) last November. Following the decision, Capital City Casinos appealed, leading to the recent in-person hearing.

AGLC data reveals a significant disparity between charitable revenues earned by organizations in Edmonton and those in rural areas relying on the Camrose casino. Charitable organizations in Edmonton earn much more from casino events and wait fewer months to host them than rural groups.

The AGLC decision, signed by panel member Patti Grier, acknowledged the need for policy reform to address the imbalance among charities rather than resorting to casino relocation.

The potential closure of the Camrose casino raised concerns about the impact on charitable revenues. During the hearing, AGLC officials said 650 charities would lose revenue. However, they also assured that if the casino were to close, the affected charities would be redistributed to other casinos instead of being left behind.

Dave Berry, AGLC's executive vice president of business development, said during the hearing that there is a pause on relocation applications while AGLC reviews the process.

The decision to deny the casino relocation disappointed many members of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. Paul McLauchlin, the organization's president, expressed hope that the decision would spark discussions about necessary changes to Alberta's charitable gaming system. 

AGLC conducted a review of its charitable gaming and pooling system in 2021 and continues to collaborate with the government to monitor the effectiveness of Alberta's charitable model, according to a spokesperson.