This year is a special one for charitable gaming in Alberta, as the Crown corporation overseeing the gaming field is going to subject it to a thorough review. Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis conducts the first substantial charity gaming review since 2010 which is news that already brings joy to nonprofit organizations sprinkled across the province. This update is projected to improve the field and its performance resolving unfairness.
Charitable organizations have proliferated across the province for many years now thanks to its wide variety of gaming offerings up for grabs. Players have the chance to enjoy bingo, casino table games, pull tickets, as well as raffles of all sorts. However, in a recently issued revenue report, a concerning slump has been observed when it comes to charitable gambling in Alberta. Over fiscal 2017-2018 this particular type of gaming witnessed some CA$331.2 million marking a slight slump in comparison to the CA$336.2 million generated across fiscal 2016-2017.
Charitable Gaming Needs a Boost
This surge is not to be overlooked, as it shows a drop in the overall appeal of charitable gaming of all sorts. In this sense, the review comes at the right time, as it could benefit the field in the long run and ensure that upcoming years see a positive line of development. Focusing on the communities benefitting from this gambling offering, AGLC is willing to take things above and beyond and introduce improvements to the set of rules.
Throughout the years organizations have highlighted some flaws of the existing model of operation, a completely normal and positive approach which eventually brings results. Following some of them, AGLC is going to look into the list of criteria for eligibility when it comes to charity organizations. This will ensure that all entities meet the standards applicable to the sector. Furthermore, cash generated via charitable gaming is later on utilized for various projects and achieving goals.
This includes charitable proceeds generated via charitable casino events. The Crown corporation will look into the way this happens and optimize it if necessary. The stepping stones of this review will be placed in its first phase which already commenced. In order to optimize the process and make it accessible for everyone interested in participation, it will feature an online poll. Every charitable organization operating under a license issued by AGLC will be able to participate in it.
Public Input is Also Essential
Taking place from January 14 to February 8, this survey aims to shed more light on the field. Grant Thornton will examine the results once the window of time closes, drawing conclusions. Once this first phase of the review is over, the second one will expand horizons even further. All residents of the province will have the opportunity to put their two cents in around June or July this year.
Public input is essential which is why it is projected to take place across many platforms. There will be online surveys, as well as written submissions open for anyone interested in improving the charitable gambling field of Alberta. It should be taken into account that 2003 was the year that saw the introduction of this gaming model, meaning that it is in need of an update in order to remain competitive and to keep up with the times.
St. Albert City Councilor Jacquie Hansen is among the active supporters of a change. Casino nights are some of the more profitable organized gambling events both for the charitable organizations and sports teams. However, they appear to happen not often enough with long pauses between each organized event. This is what prompted the review, which would bring results in the foreseeable future.
