New Casino Facilities Questions and Answers
How do I apply to open a casino?
The AGLC has developed casino licensing policies in response
to policy direction made from the Gaming licensing Policy Review.
The following pages highlight the
key points of the policies:
What is involved in the process of applying for a new casino?
Applicants for a new casino facility licence must go through
the AGLC’s 8-step casino licensing process.
Who makes the decision to grant a casino licence?
Under the requirements of the Gaming and Liquor Act and Regulation
all licensing 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 a request for other proposals mean that the AGLC will
approve more than one casino in any given area, i.e., if the
AGLC approves a First Nation casino will it approve/not approve
a traditional casino or vice versa?
All casino applications will be grouped and reviewed according
to what Tourism Destination Region the application falls under.
The licensing process is very comprehensive and is designed to
ensure that any growth in gaming is carefully managed and controlled.
The number of First Nation casinos licensed will depend on many
factors, including various market considerations.
Does the AGLC Board take into account the potential impact
of a new casino on a community?
In addition to being evaluated on
a detailed business and marketing plan, an applicant for a new
casino facility licence must demonstrate to the AGLC that the
proposal has taken into consideration factors that may impact
the community and adjacent communities:
- anticipated impact upon other existing or approved charitable
gaming facilities in the community;
- proximity to public or community facilities, including schools,
churches etc.;
- 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 all communities be allowed to provide input?
The municipality or First Nation community where the casino
will be located will be invited to provide support, or lack thereof,
for the casino proposal. This would occur in step four of the
eight-step process.
Should the surrounding communities want to express concern
or support for a casino in a neighbouring area, will this be
accepted?
Any municipality, First Nation, group, or individual may submit
to the Board of the AGLC an objection to the application, and
the Board must consider it and advise the person or group who
filed the objection of the Board’s decision on the application.
If I want to provide my input to the Board on a new casino,
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 applications have you received?
The AGLC has received interest in
a new casino facility licence from a number of groups and individuals.
Please visit the status of new casino applications page for more
information.
|
