WHEREAS: 1. the proposed expansion of Edgewater Casino on the North East Shore of False Creek in Downtown Vancouver would be the largest casino in British Columbia; 2. recent news has revealed a concerning link between casinos and organized crime and money laundering; 3. citizens across BC are concerned about increasing organized crime activity and the accompanying increases in enforcement costs; 4. recent reports also show record subsidies paid to casinos while non-profits, charities, and arts organizations are being funded at levels lower than during the 1990s; 5. the fact the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation are being directed by the same ministry represents a serious potential conflict in gaming priorities and raises serious concerns about how gaming will be regulated and promoted in BC; and 6. public confidence in the lottery public system needs to be restored: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government: A. separate the Gaming Policy Enforcement Branch and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation into different ministries; B. conduct a review of public gaming in the province of British Columbia in order to restore public confidence in the integrity of the gaming system; C. in response to a request from the BC Association of Charitable Gaming, instruct the Auditor General to investigate and review the BC governments obligations to charities for gaming revenues; and D. affirm both the inherent and contractual rights and interests of charities and non-profits to gaming proceeds.
Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General The governance model for gaming in British Columbia ensures decisions are made in an open and transparent manner, and are free from influence. The roles and responsibilities of the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the BC Lottery Corporation, and the Minister Responsible for Gaming Policy are clearly set out in the Gaming Control Act and regulations. Reporting to the same minister allows for clear communication when resolving issues and consistency in setting strategic directions for the industry. As of March 14, 2011, the responsibility for administration of community gaming grants was moved from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. In response to the concerns raised by changes to gaming criteria and funding, Mr. Skip Triplett was appointed to lead a review into Community Gaming Grants. The Review visited 14 communities in person, and conducted 5 video and teleconferences during August and September to gather input from individuals and non-profit organizations through a series of Community Forums. Mr. Tripletts final report with options was submitted to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development on October 31, 2011 for consideration and review. The report and governments response to it will be released, in full, early in the New Year.