Published: February 24, 2009 7:00 PM By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
Restrictions on how many slot machines can exist in Vernon are a step closer to being eased. Council voted unanimously Monday to draft a bylaw that would increase the number of slot machines in the community from 300 to 400. “Once the 400 slot machine maximum is reached, the city will not sanction any further machines,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, who pushed for the change. The proposed bylaw would also only permit 10 gaming tables in Vernon. Last fall, the previous council decided to set a limit of 300 slot machines in the community, although the B.C. Lottery Corporation and Lake City Casinos wanted 400 for the new casino being constructed on Anderson Way.City officials have previously stated that even with the bylaw limiting slot machines to 300, Lake City Casinos can still have 400 because the devices were shown in designs submitted to the city.However, that would make the operation legally non-conforming under bylaw, something BCLC is not used to being in for the slot machines it owns.
“They built the building for 400 machines,” said Gilroy. “They are a business and we should let them (proceed). We should support business.” Currently, provincial legislation dictates that the city receives 10 per cent of net casino revenue, and Gilroy is convinced that could climb if slot machines go from 300 to 400.There have been some concerns that more slot machines could worsen the problem of gambling addiction, but Gilroy disagrees.“If they have 200 machines and you’re a problem gambler, you’ll go,” he said. For Coun. Shawn Lee, he supported the increase to 400 slot machines because that figure was always discussed when BCLC sought approval from the city for a casino. “It was the original agreement and the city needs to live up to its agreements,” he said.
Coun. Bob Spiers voted for the bylaw change, but admits he would like the number of slot machines to remain at 300 so the city can leverage BCLC and Lake City Casino for increased funding. Instead of 10 per cent of net casino revenue, Spiers says the city should receive 10 per cent of the gross. “We’re into it now so we might as well try to maximize our return.” Before 400 slot machines can be installed, staff must bring a bylaw to council for consideration and then the matter will be the focus of a public hearing. BCLC says a new bylaw will ensure it conforms to local regulations. “It’s the preferred way to go. It’s good news,” said Greg Walker, manager of public affairs.
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Don Quixote Note: Spiers voted for the amended motion to go forward (tables restricted to 10) and will await for the drafting of the bylaw and the public input to decide whether it merits future support.
2 comments:
Legally non-conforming? How do they come up with this stuff. If the City has a bylaw limiting the number of slots to 300 and they put in 400, that is against the bylaw and therefore illegal. Bottom line.
It doesn't matter a whit what the building was built for Coun. Gilroy. If they are only allowed 300 machines then that is all they can put in. If they put in more, then I imagine the bylaw has some provisions for enforcement, including maybe some fines. Levy the fines and put the money towards that precious social responsibility fund or something.
I think Jack is right, he should support business, but he should not support a business that funnels millions out of the North Okanagan and sends it off to Australia.
Watch when they want to put in more machines for who is leading the parade. For shame, Jack.
Technically Coun. Gilroy is right. The Last Council allowed the relocation of the Casino and part of the public hearing was that the Casino would be putting in 400 slots and 10 tables etc.
Council then after the relocation was approved brought in the bylaw limiting the number of slots in Vernon in the future to 300. BCLC and Lake City Casino were advised that the number of slots that were part of the initial Relocation application (400) could be placed into that location but that in effect any future addition past 400 or to another location were governed by the 300 slot limit bylaw.
There is approximately $30 million dollars annually that is the Casino "winnings" at this location. 70% of this money ($21 million) flows out of Vernon with most of that going to the Provincial Govt. The Aussi owners of this casino take their share and about 6% or $1.8 million dollars flows into the City of Vernon Coffers into a reserve that is has been primarily used for infrastructure.
Stats about this money in 2007 can be found at http://vernonblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/casino-operations-in-vernon-in-2007.html
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