Representing counties and districts, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) insists that the existing charitable gaming model is biased against rural non-profits, urging for a meticulous evaluation.
Right now, non-profit organizations in Alberta can obtain licenses to run casino nights staffed by volunteers. However, there's a notable disparity in revenue, with rural charities trailing behind their urban counterparts.
According to the Calgary Herald, casino events hosted by Calgary groups typically bring in $42,000 annually and occur every 20 months, unlike rural groups who gather $16,000 and wait three years for the next event.
The RMA is pushing for routine reviews of the gaming system and proposes to distribute a portion of the revenue equally across Alberta's regions to address the income disparity.
Paul McLauchlin, President of RMA, suggests that channeling a share of the online gaming profits from AGLC’s PlayAlberta into charities could alleviate the issue.
\"By folding online gaming earnings into the existing system and possibly increasing them, there’s a chance to ensure everyone benefits,\" McLauchlin told the Herald.
Is the push for a fairer charitable gaming system aligned with Alberta's broader gaming objectives?
McLauchlin remarked on the longstanding political nature of Alberta’s charitable gaming framework, recalling discussions since his RMA involvement seven years ago: \"As time ticks by in silence, we’re bringing it to the fore again.\"
The subject of equitable gaming has come up again amidst Alberta's review of a potentially regulated gaming sector. Dale Nally, tasked with heading a $1 million study, is paving the path for the future in Wild Rose Country.
Nick Gocuan, press secretary for Service Alberta, stated, \"This year, the province intends to consult traditional casino operators, Racing Entertainment Centre operators, and First Nations to understand their views on expanding iGaming in a way that's fitting for Alberta.\"
Gocuan added, \"We recognize there’s still ample opportunity to bolster the charitable gaming model, especially in supporting rural community charities.\"
The minister’s office further stated that the province plans to scrutinize AGLC’s operations for potential increased support to Alberta charities.
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