The RMA believes it is essential for Alberta's charitable gaming structure to undergo a formal evaluation , as they contend that the existing arrangements are inequitable for non-profit entities.
Currently, non-profits in Alberta can obtain licenses to host volunteer-led casino events. However, there's a substantial disparity in earnings based on geography, with rural communities generally collecting much less than their urban counterparts, creating a challenging environment for their organizations.
According to a report by Calgary Herald, organizations in Calgary benefit from casino events by an average of $42,000 annually and hold events roughly every 20 months. In contrast, rural groups average just $16,000 each year and must typically wait three years to organize their casino events.
The RMA has proposed that the charitable gaming model be reviewed on a regular basis and has put forward several recommendations for significant reforms. One such recommendation involves pooling a portion of the revenue generated from each region in Alberta and allocating it evenly across all areas, which the RMA believes would help to bridge the current revenue gap.
RMA President Paul McLauchlin suggested that the solution could be enhanced should the AGLC's PlayAlberta website allocate part of its online gaming revenues to charitable causes.
“There's an opportunity to ensure fairness for everyone if they consider integrating the online gaming revenues into the same system and potentially increasing the overall support,” McLauchlin stated in an interview with the Herald.
However, the question remains whether this initiative for charitable gaming aligns with Alberta's overall gaming strategies.
McLauchlin pointed out that the charitable gaming framework in Alberta “has been a contentious political topic for quite some time.” He recalled engaging in discussions about it when he first joined the RMA seven years ago. “As time passes, discussions seem to fade away, which is why we need to bring it back into the spotlight.”
This issue has gained attention during a broader evaluation of the viability of a regulated gaming industry in Alberta. Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, has been tasked with overseeing a $1 million assessment aimed at charting a forward path for gaming in the province.
Nally's press secretary, Nick Gocuan, mentioned last month that “the province plans to consult with traditional casino operators, Racing Entertainment Centre managers, and First Nations this year to gather their insights on opportunities to responsibly expand iGaming in Alberta.”
“We acknowledge there are still further chances to enhance the charitable gaming structure and understand the importance of looking at how we can better support charitable organizations in rural areas,” Gocuan added.
The statement from the minister's office also indicated that the province would assess AGLC's operations to explore the feasibility of increasing contributions to charities and community services in Alberta.
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