LAKELAND – The proposed relocation of Camrose Casino by Capital City Casinos Ltd. to south Edmonton is a step away from completion – which means more gaming funds for rural charities in the future.
According to the application at the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) website, the relocation will generate $19 million in new gaming revenue in the city, slightly decrease by five per cent the charity pool payments to Edmonton urban charities, and significantly increase the charity pool payments to rural charities by 50 per cent.
Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr says he has always supported the relocation of the casino.
“I’m pleased the AGLC has approved this relocation request, which will bring new economic opportunities for northern Alberta charities and non-profits.”
He adds, “This move is something I’ve supported, along with many others who saw the potential benefits. The AGLC conducted a thorough review and made the final decision independently, and I’m happy to see this positive outcome for rural communities.”
Relocation of the Camrose Casino was denied two years ago. When relocation was proposed again in August of this year, Edmonton council opposed the proposal and asked the AGLC to reject the relocation, citing concerns, such as declined revenues to Edmonton charities.
On Oct. 7, the Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) Board approved the application to move the casino to Step 3 of the three-step application process, which involves approval and licensing of the casino operator.
This means that while the application passed the review stages and has been conditionally approved, the AGLC board still needs to issue the necessary licenses and perform any final reviews before the relocation is complete.
This phase typically involves AGLC ensuring all regulatory, legal, and operational requirements are satisfied before finalizing the relocation.
Valerie Pratch, board member with the St. Paul and District Arts Foundation, says she is also pleased with the AGLC moving the application from Step 2 to Step 3.
Approval of the relocation will mean “more equitable disbursement of gaming profits” not only to the Arts Foundation, but other many other non-profits designated to Camrose.
“The economic spinoff will greatly benefit our communities if the final stages are approved,” says Pratch.
