Vancouver City Council has confirmed an amendment to allow more products at the city’s two land-based gaming venues.
It comes following requests from the British Columbia Lottery Corporation for the adaptation of provincial gambling policy to be more inclusive of table games and slot machines.
The BCLC asserted that both facilities have the capacity for increased operations and stressed that doing so would bring in more revenue for the city and local communities.
Furthermore, the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities analysed several proposals of a staff report that included lifting the 2011 moratorium which prohibits applications to expand gaming at land-based venues.
BCLC confirmed to Canadian Gaming Business on May 9 that the council voted to allow staff to receive applications to “substantially change the extent of lottery schemes” at existing gaming facilities. This option had been recommended by the report’s authors.
As a consequence of the vote, Section 18 (1) of the Gaming Control Act will be revised. The casinos will be required to provide full assessments of the health and safety and economic impacts of their proposals.
BCLC underlined it will continue to collaborate closely with the City of Vancouver and partners, including government and public health, on any potential proposals for gambling expansion at the two venues.
Whilst the change solely impacts existing facilities, the moratorium still applies to any new gambling facilities that may open within the city’s jurisdiction.
