Two years after denying Camrose Resort Casino‘s previous relocation attempt, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis has changed its tune and will allow the gambling hall to move south to Edmonton.
Initial projections anticipate construction of the new 88,000-square-foot Alberta casino located at 420 Parsons Road to take between 19-24 months. It will house 498 slot machines, 25 table games, and eight poker tables — all of which represent significant increases from Camrose’s current offering.
According to the AGLC, the decision to approve Camrose’s latest proposal came “after careful consideration of objections and support.”
AGLC: Move will generate “significant additional revenue”
When the AGLC first rejected Camrose’s bid and subsequent appeal two years ago, a hearing panel specifically cited a lack of public support and “significant cannibalization” of gambling revenues for existing casino operators. There are currently seven casinos in the greater Edmonton area.
At the time, the panel believed a move would not return enough revenue to warrant a comprehensive relocation project.
However, this time around, the AGLC pulled a full 180.
“In balancing all the options, the decision to approve the application will support continuous business operations, provide jobs for Albertans and will significantly improve returns for rural charities with minimal impact to charities assigned to the Edmonton pool,” said an AGLC news release.
“AGLC has a key responsibility to be a direct contributor to provincial revenue. This relocation will result in significant additional revenue for the government of Alberta which in turn contributes to the foundational services that Albertans rely on.”
According to AGLC projections, the move to Edmonton is expected to generate approximately $19 million in new gambling revenue.
Such growth would signify a 3% increase compared to Camrose’s current output.
Charities have spoken out against the move
Despite the projected uptick in gambling revenues, several Edmonton non-profit groups have spoken out against the move.
Why? Many are concerned about how moving the casino might impact the pooling system for charitable gambling, which is a considerable source of funding for local organizations.
Charities and non-profits receive a portion of revenues from retail casino partners in their shared region. But in this scenario, Camrose Casino will remain in the rural charitable gaming pool.
As a result, Edmonton and host First Nations organizations are not privy to any gambling revenues generated by Camrose.
Based on AGLC estimates, rural charities tied to Camrose should now see a 50% increase in charity pool payments.
On the other hand, Edmonton urban charities and Host First Nations charities are expected to see decreases of 5% and 2%, respectively.
But not all Albertans are against relocation.
In February 2023, Barrhead County announced its support in favour of Camrose’s move to Edmonton.
City councillor condemns Camrose casino’s relocation to Edmonton
The approval did not sit well with Edmonton Ward Karhiio Coun. Keren Teng, who voiced her displeasure in a statement following the decision.
“Frustration doesn’t even begin to describe it,” wrote Teng.
The councillor specifically highlighted charitable gambling revenue, existing infrastructure and road congestion, and overall quality of life as key concerns.
“These issues, the same ones from 2 years ago, have still not been addressed to date, and I will continue to advocate for a fair outcome for the community.”
Move isn’t official just yet
The move to Edmonton isn’t official just yet.
A handful of procedural items, including permitting, zoning, and construction, remain before the new Camrose Casino receives its license from the AGLC.
However, the casino appears in line to open in Edmonton within its expected timeline.