Vancouver Approves Casino Expansion Applications for Existing Venues
The Vancouver City Council has voted to lift the moratorium on casino expansion, allowing increased gambling activities at the city's two existing land-based gaming venues.
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) had requested changes to the policy to permit the addition of more table games and slot machines at Parq Casino Vancouver and Hastings Racecourse and Casino. The proposal highlighted the potential for increased operations and emphasized that expanding these facilities would generate additional revenue for the city and local communities.
On May 8, the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities reviewed a staff report outlining options to lift the moratorium, which has been in place since 2011, restricting applications for gaming expansion at land-based venues.
On May 9, BCLC confirmed to Canadian Gaming Business that the council voted in favor of allowing applications to "substantially change the extent of lottery schemes" at existing gaming facilities, as recommended by the report.
This vote mandates a revision of Section 18 (1) of the Gaming Control Act, requiring casinos to provide comprehensive assessments of the health, safety, and economic impacts of their expansion proposals.
BCLC stated it would collaborate with the City of Vancouver and relevant partners, including government and public health authorities, on any potential expansion proposals for the two venues. Public consultation will be a crucial part of this process.
The policy change applies exclusively to existing facilities, with the moratorium still in effect for any new gambling establishments within the city's jurisdiction.
Parq currently operates 600 slot machines and 61 gambling tables, while Hastings has 446 slot machines. The report did not specify the number of additional machines or tables the lottery corporation aims to add.
Previously, a BCLC spokesperson told Canadian Gaming Business that consultations with Vancouver officials had identified opportunities to enhance the gambling offerings at both venues.
BCLC projects that expanding one or both casinos could boost the government's annual revenue by $2.6 million to $5 million. B.C. regulations ensure municipal governments receive 10% of net casino gaming revenue within their jurisdiction annually. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Parq contributed over $6 million and Hastings around $1 million to the city.
A BCLC spokesperson noted, "Since the moratorium was established in 2011, Vancouver's population has grown by an estimated 22%, while the gambling mix has remained unchanged. Amending the moratorium will enable us to meet increased player demand and generate additional revenue for both the Province of B.C. and the City of Vancouver."
Parq Vancouver, which opened in 2017 next to BC Place stadium, currently operates 600 slot machines and 61 table games. Hastings Racecourse and Casino, owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, has 446 slot machines out of an allowance of 600.
The exact number of additional table games or slot machines in any forthcoming proposals remains uncertain.
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Vancouver’s population has grown, and it makes sense that our entertainment options grow too. I’m glad the council is considering the economic benefits, but I hope they ensure the proper safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable populations from gambling-related harm.
As a local business owner, I'm optimistic about this decision. More visitors to the casinos could mean more customers for nearby businesses. It’s essential, though, that the expansion is managed responsibly with community input.
I’m not sure how I feel about this. On one hand, more revenue for the city sounds good, but on the other hand, I worry about the potential for increased gambling addiction and its impact on the community. Public consultation will be key here.
It's great to see the city council taking steps to generate more revenue for Vancouver. Hopefully, the increased gambling options will also lead to more job opportunities and economic growth in the area. Just hoping they keep a close eye on the social impacts as well!