Alberta Casino and Card Room Gaming

Alberta permits video lottery terminals (VLTs), slot machines, poker and table games. Slots, poker and table games are found at charitable casinos and racinos, while the vast majority of VLTs are found in smaller venues. All gaming activity is regulated by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis under the province’s Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act. A total of 6,000 VLTs are managed by AGLC and are located in age-restricted, liquor-licensed venues under a video retailer agreement. VLT retailers can have a maximum of 10 VLTs, while gaming entertainment centers (GECs) may have between 15 and 49.

In 2001, the AGLC began reducing the number of locations with VLTs, as recommended by the Gaming Licensing Policy Review. The 14% reduction was a direct result of the allocation policy and the establishment of VLT Gaming Entertainment Rooms (VGERs). VGERs may have between 15 and 25 video lottery terminals and require higher facility standards in terms of service and security than regular bars and lounges with VLTs, which may only have a maximum of 10.

There is a formal three-step process for the approval of expansion or major renovation and relocation of an existing casino. The up-to-date status of casino expansion applications is provided on the Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis Commission's website at aglc.gov.ab.ca.

Slot machines were introduced into Alberta's charitable casinos in 1996. They were later allowed at the province's racing entertainment centers (RECs). The proceeds from slot machines in licensed casino facilities are divided as follows: 15% is provided as a commission to the licensed casino facility operators as compensation for the cost of space and customer service; 15% is paid to the charities holding licensed events in casinos; and 70% goes to the Alberta Lottery Fund (after AGLC operating costs are deducted).

The proceeds from slot machines in racing entertainment centers are divided as follows: 15% is provided as a commission to REC operators as compensation for the cost of space and customer service, and 85% goes to the Alberta Lottery Fund (after AGLC operating costs are deducted).

Casino City considers VLTs, charitable table games and slot machines, and electronic bingo to be casino and card room gaming activities.