Operator News
Canada – Camrose Resort and Casino could close following denial to relocate
By Phil - 30 June 2023
Alberta’s gaming regulator The Alberta Gaming and Liquor and Cannibis Commission, is backing up its decision to prevent Camrose Resort and Casino to relocate to Edmonton.
A panel upheld the regulator’s decesion in 2022, saying the relocation did not have enough community support and that it would only generate limited new gaming revenue with negative effects on nearby casinos and racing venues. Capital City Casinos said last year that the casino would shut if it could not relocate.
AGLC said: “Balance among charities is an issue that would need to be addressed by way of policy reform and not by way of a casino relocation.”
Laura Cunningham-Shpeley, executive director of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, said: “This is a real example of Edmonton non-profits and organizations really stepping up and saying that this is going to have a negative impact on their ability to do the kind of programs and services for Edmontonians that they want to keep doing.”
Jason Pechet, President of Camrose Resort and Casino, said at the time: “Rural communities and their leaders should be alarmed by their mistreatment by AGLC and the failure by the AGLC board to approve a relocation that would help to resolve this disparity.”
Paul McLauchlin, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, said the relocation decision was disappointing.
“The difference between rural gaming and urban gaming is so significant that I think everybody realizes it’s just not fair the way it’s designed right now,” he said.
