Editorial: Taking another look at First Nations gaming revenues

Monday, December 5, 2011  

"A group of Alberta First Nations chiefs wants the province to review gaming policy as it relates to five onreserve casinos. Though the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs haven't actually said they want the Alberta government to change the way it allocates slot machine revenue - and a call to Treaty 8 Grand Chief Richard Kappo wasn't returned - it seems that's most likely the goal.

Because gaming is incredibly lucrative for the casinos and government, however, the chances for reallocation seem longer than the odds of getting rich on the nickel slots at River Cree Casino.

If they hope to make their case, the chiefs might need casino operators in Edmonton, Calgary, St. Albert, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie and other locations to join the cause. Because those operators have to live with the same Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission regulations that apply to the five on-reserve casinos - the government supplies and maintains the slot machines and takes 70 per cent of net proceeds - any substantive change in revenue allocation must consider the entire industry and the charities and agencies it benefits."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Review on-reserve casino revenue (The Edmonton Journal 12/2)