Examining the Financial Fallout from Compulsory Casino Shutdowns in Edmonton

Overview of the extended downtown casino closures in Edmonton 

Grand Villa Casino was supposed to stay open 7 days a week in 2019-22. But it had to close for a long period of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This caused money problems for charities and the government in Alberta. The casino was closed for more than five months both in 2020 and 2022.

In 2020, the casino stopped being open many days of the week

It was shut down for almost 2 years from March 2020 to July 2022, with all players switching to 1xBet gambling games online for safety reasons. This made it difficult to raise money for charities and cost Alberta Gaming Liquor & Cannabis between $3.8 million and $4.5 million.

Earlier this year, in response to the losses incurred, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) mandated that businesses operating slot and table games had to operate seven days a week. However, AGLC’s hearing panel ruled in favour of the company which enabled them to strike off this condition.

Laura Cunningham-Shpeley is worried. Many charities rely on money from casinos and this decision could stop them from getting it. She is the executive director at Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.

Impact on provincial and Edmonton charities as a result of prolonged casino shutdowns

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) caused a great deal of worry when they took away the slot machines from Grand Villa Casino last year when it was still closed. This made many organizations that receive income from the gaming very unsure and scared about their future finances. Because of this, the organizations needed to think of new plans for their future.

Grand Villa was given permission to decide when it should open and close

This was allowed as long as Grand Villa follows the laws and rules. Steve Lautischer from AGLC said that no other casino has done what Grand Villa did from September 2019 to March 2022. He had never seen this before in his career.

On Tuesday, someone from the AGLC said that no other casinos had closed except for what the law said. Dave Berry said that places like Grand Villa Casino need to stay open so they can make money to give to charities.

Economic implications of prolonged casino closures for local businesses, employees, and charities 

At the hearing, he said that this licence condition was proposed to make sure their casino was the same as other casinos and to stop any problems from past closures or limits.

Examining how the cost of downtown casino closures is affecting provincial and Edmonton charities 

Ainsley Hillyard works at Good Women Dance Collective, which was going to have an event at Grand Villa in January. All the money from the event was going to be combined together and shared. 

But because of the pandemic, the casino had to close and they lost almost a whole year’s worth of money that they normally get from people who give it as charity. This is more than what they usually get from local or provincial governments.

Strategies to mitigate the financial fallout from compulsory casino shut downs in Edmonton 

At the hearing, Stephen Rowbotham, regional general manager for Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited’s Alberta operations, expressed that Grand Villa needs to have more flexibility when it comes to its operations. Last year saw them close on slower days and capitalize on increased traffic from Rogers Place event days. 

Additionally, Ice District’s development and construction has caused difficulties in regards to access issues and traffic disruption.

Examples of successful initiatives implemented by local governments to support affected businesses and organizations 

The casino had to deal with a labour dispute, including an all-out strike, during the years of 2021 and 2022. The criminal record checks even held up its long-awaited reopening earlier this year. 

Conclusions about how extended downtown casino closures are impacting province, Edmonton charities financially

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment wanted more freedom to decide when they would be open. They asked the BC Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch for this and they said yes. The casino will still stay open every day, but they now have more options.” Having no further comment on such positive news seems only natural!

As per the ruling, Grand Villa must provide AGLC and charities with two weeks advance notice of any adjusted hours. Cunningham-Shpeley asserted that this is a very tight timeline for community leagues to find volunteers to cover shifts at casino events; often times they are hard pressed just to fill their rosters.

guest post by Ryan Gaydos

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