Vancouver Weighs Expansion of Slot Machines at Parq Casino

Key Moments:

  • Parq Casino Vancouver has applied to increase its slot machine count from 600 to 900
  • The rezoning application is under staff review and public consultation before city council consideration
  • Vancouver received $6.225 million in Host Local Government payments for 2022/23 and $6.020 million for 2023/24

Rezoning Proposal Targets Increased Casino Capacity

Parq Casino Vancouver has put forward a rezoning application to the City of Vancouver, aiming to boost its slot machine allotment from 600 to 900. The property at 39 Smithe St. would see no structural modifications if the plan moves forward, with all new machines housed inside the existing gaming area.

City staff are currently conducting an in-depth review of the proposal and are seeking feedback from the public. The application will proceed to the city council for a decision after this review period is complete.

Rationale for Expansion

The casino operators indicate in their application that existing demand from patrons is not fully being met. They point to a 22% population surge in Vancouver since 2011 as a driving factor. Furthermore, Parq Casino Vancouver is responding to the needs of tourists and guests during busy periods linked with major events like professional sports games, concerts, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

The proposal does not include any changes to the building’s footprint or design. Existing capacity allows for up to 1,200 slot machines across the facility’s two gaming floors.

Financial Implications for the City

Slot machine expansion is anticipated to generate additional revenue for Vancouver. Local and First Nation governments hosting gambling locations in British Columbia typically collect 10% of annual net gaming revenue from these facilities.

According to BCLC’s Community Impact Report 2023/24, the City of Vancouver received $6.225 million for 2022/23 and $6.020 million for 2023/24 in Host Local Government payments from this revenue stream. Parq Vancouver also contributed $3.03 million in municipal taxes for 2023/24.

YearHost Local Government PaymentParq Vancouver Municipal Taxes
2022/23$6.225 million
2023/24$6.020 million$3.03 million

Casino Profile and Market Dynamics

Owned by BC Pavilion Corporation and leased to Parq Holdings Limited Partnership, Parq Casino Vancouver features two luxury hotels, a 60,000-square-foot conference center, five restaurants, three lounges, retail outlets, and a casino spread over two floors. Notably, one casino floor provides direct access from the BC Place Stadium concourse.

The casino currently operates 600 slot machines and 75 table games. The current facility can support up to 1,200 slot machines, and the proposed increase to 900 would fit within the approved gaming space with no new construction required.

As detailed in the application, the casino owners stated, “about two-thirds of gambling revenue from Vancouver residents is flowing out of Vancouver to other lower mainland facilities.”

Parq relocated its casino license in 2017 from Edgewater Casino on False Creek to the present Smithe Street address. The property’s 72,000 square feet of gaming floor area allows for future growth within the existing zoning guidelines.

  • Author

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams has started his writing career as a freelance author at a local paper media. After working there for a couple of years and writing on various topics, he found his interest for the gambling industry.
Daniel Williams
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