Casino Expansions and Relocations Questions and Answers
What is considered a major relocation?
A major relocation means relocation of an existing licensed casino facility for purposes of capturing a new or different player base or market area as determined by the Board. A move within the casino’s current market area, or that would attract the same player base, would not be considered a major relocation.
What is considered an expansion?
An expansion means the significant physical expansion of the gaming area in a licensed casino facility as determined by the Board. It may include an expansion of the building envelope (the outer perimeter of the building), or its outer dimensions (height).
What is the process for a casino expansion or relocation?
Applicants for a casino expansion or relocation must go through the AGLC’s 3-step casino expansion or relocation process.
Who makes the decision to approve a casino expansion or major relocation?
Under the requirements of the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation all expansion and relocation decisions are made by the AGLC’s Board, which is independent of government. The mandate of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) is to ensure that any growth in gaming is carefully managed and controlled and meets Alberta’s high standards of integrity.
Does the AGLC Board take into account the potential impact of a casino expansion or relocation on a community?
A proposal for casino expansion or major relocation must meet basic criteria related to market demand, benefits to charitable groups, and impact on other charitable gaming activities in the community. As well, the proposal must include the following information:
- anticipated impact of the expansion or relocation upon other existing charitable gaming facilities in the community;
- proximity to public or community facilities, including schools, churches, etc. (relocation only);
- an explanation of the measures to be taken to address problem gambling, for example, how casino gaming activities will be delivered in a socially responsible manner;
- estimated economic impact on the community, for example, number of new jobs created, impact on other businesses in the community, etc.;
- impact on policing in the community; and
- impact on parking and traffic flow.
Will communities be allowed to provide input?
The AGLC must formally notify the council of the affected area that they have received a proposal for the expansion or relocation of an existing casino facility. This is step two of the 3-step casino expansion or relocation process. Only the municipality that the casino is within will be invited to provide support, or lack thereof, for the proposal.
Should the surrounding municipalities want to express concern or support for casino expansion or relocation in a neighbouring community, will this be accepted?
Any municipality, group, or individual may submit to the Board of the AGLC an objection to the proposal, and the Board must consider it and advise the person or group who filed the objection of the Board’s decision on the proposal.
If I want to provide my input to the Board on a proposed casino expansion or major relocation, how do I do that?
Letters may be sent to:
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
Attn: Chairperson of the Board
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, AB T8N3T5
How many proposals have you received?
The AGLC has received proposals for casino expansion or major relocation from a number of existing facilities. Please visit the status of casino expansion/relocation applications page for more information.
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