Vancouver's Parq casino seeking to expand number of slot machines from 600 to 900
Parq Casino in Vancouver is requesting to increase its slot machines from 600 to 900, pending city council approval and mitigation of potential gambling harms.Summary
Parq Holdings, operating the casino in Vancouver, aims to increase its slot machines by 50%, from 600 to 900. City staff recommend approval contingent on measures to address problem gambling. The request follows a 2024 council decision to reconsider a 2011 moratorium on gambling expansion, requiring assessments of health, social, and economic impacts. While proponents cite potential revenue and job creation, critics express concerns about gambling addiction, particularly among vulnerable populations. A health impact assessment identifies problem gambling as a central risk, disproportionately affecting those with mental health issues, low incomes, and certain ethnic communities. Staff recommend increased funding for social responsibility and research if the expansion is approved. The casino argues the increase is needed to meet demand due to Vancouver’s population growth, while opponents question the casino’s commitment to existing community benefit agreements.
(Source：The Province)