Proceeds to Charities from Licensed Casino Events
Transcription
Proceeds to Charities from Licensed Casino Events
MLA Advisory Committee to Review Eligible Organizations’ Access to and Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events MLA Doug Griffiths, Chair MLA Dave Rodney MLA Doug Elniski - Advice to Minister - March 2010 MLA Advisory Committee to Review Eligible Organizations’ Access to and 2010 Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Table of Contents Comments from the Chair Executive Summary Introduction MLA Committee Purpose Scope Objectives Background The Criminal Code Alberta’s Charitable Gaming Model Casino Regions and Access Proceeds Distribution Volunteer Requirements Current Situation Waiting Period – Access Proceeds Earned – Distribution of Proceeds Annualized Proceeds Volunteer Requirements Consultation Summary Consultation process Consultation Findings Summary Access Distribution of Proceeds Number of Volunteers Committee Findings Access Distribution of Proceeds Volunteer Requirements 31 March 2010 MLA Advisory Committee to Review Eligible Organizations’ Access to and 2010 Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Recommendations Volunteers Proceeds and Access Appendix Terms of Reference News Releases Consultation Analysis Letter to Stakeholders Background Paper and Consultation Questions List of meeting dates and locations Names of Participating Organizations AGLC Policies 31 March 2010 Executive Summary In September 2009, a committee of MLAs was appointed by the former Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security, Mr. Fred Lindsay. The purpose of this MLA committee was to conduct a review of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission’s (AGLC) policies regarding access to licensed casino events by eligible organizations, the distribution of proceeds from licensed casino events to these organizations, and the number of volunteers required to conduct casino events. Current Situation Alberta has 19 traditional casino facilities located in different regions throughout the province. Edmonton and Calgary each have five, Red Deer has two and the remaining seven casino regions each have one. The total number of charities assigned per casino facility ranges from a low of 244 in the Fort McMurray region to a high of 524 in Lethbridge. Each year, there is the potential to schedule 3,458 two-day casino events in Alberta’s casino facilities (182 events per casino). Because there are more eligible charities than there are casino events in a year and because they are not evenly distributed throughout the province, there is a waiting period to hold a casino event. The waiting period to hold a casino event varies considerably across the province from 16 months in Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat to 34.5 months in Lethbridge. Between casino regions, proceeds earned can vary considerably. This is due to various factors including, among other things, population base, economic conditions, or size of casino. Proceeds averaged over the previous eight quarters have ranged from a high of $77,486 in Edmonton to a low of $18,011 in the St. Albert/Camrose pooling region. Annualized proceeds are a calculation of the estimated proceeds per year – it is not the actual proceeds per event. There are two primary factors that determine “annualized proceeds”; the waiting period and the proceeds per event. Using an average from January 2007 to December 2009, annualized proceeds range from a high of $46,971 in Calgary to a low of $6,972 in Camrose. At present, casino events in Calgary and Edmonton require a minimum requirement of 25 volunteers. Events outside of those cities require a minimum volunteer requirement of 15 volunteers. Consultation Summary A total of 1,408 participants representing 910 eligible organizations participated in 15 regional consultations between September and December 2009. The Committee received 416 eligible written submissions (email, mail and fax). Casino operators and casino advisors were provided with the opportunity to comment on the number of volunteers. 31 March 2010 -i- Committee Findings The Committee heard that charities throughout Alberta are very satisfied with Alberta’s charitable casino model. Although charities suggest some efficiencies may exist in terms of volunteer responsibilities, they are willing to provide the volunteers required to conduct the events. There are concerns with the distribution of proceeds to charities and the access of charities to the various casino regions. The Committee finds that the concerns are a direct result of the variability in the proceeds earned throughout the province, both in terms of the proceeds per events and the annualized proceeds. The Committee and the charities consulted during this review are all very aware that there is a limited amount of casino proceeds available and that any amendments to policies that impact the distribution of proceeds or the access to casino regions results in a reallocation of those casino proceeds. Committee Recommendations Number of Volunteers Recommendation 1 The Committee is not recommending any major changes to the number of volunteers within the charitable casino model. However, wherever possible, the Committee recommends that the AGLC Board minimize the time and effort required by volunteers in the conduct and management of the casino event and provide for flexibility for volunteers, while ensuring the “operating mind” remains that of the charity. Proceeds and Access Recommendation 2 The Committee recognizes that risk should be minimized or shared amongst charities and therefore, the Committee recommends that: within a quarter, all proceeds to charities with a casino event at the same casino should continue to be equal; and within casino regions with more than one casino where charities can choose from more than one casino to hold their casino event, all proceeds should continue to be equal. Recommendation 3 The Committee recognizes that the proceeds from table games are earned directly from the conduct and management of those games by eligible organizations within the casino region; therefore, those charities within the casino region should receive the proceeds from those table games. 31 March 2010 - ii - Recommendation 4 The Committee recognizes that communities surrounding cities with casino facilities contribute to the proceeds of casino events within those cities; therefore, a region should be created around Edmonton, such as a greater Edmonton casino region (similar to the existing casino region around Calgary) and electronic gaming proceeds should be distributed equally amongst casino events located within the casino region surrounding Edmonton and casino facilities located within Edmonton. (Currently, this is the case with the Calgary casino region that surrounds Calgary). Recommendation 5 The Committee recognizes that casino region boundaries outside of Edmonton and Calgary are arbitrary; therefore, electronic gaming proceeds should be shared equally amongst charities assigned to casino regions outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Recommendation 6 The Committee recommends that casino region boundaries outside of Edmonton and Calgary should be “optimized” by minimizing the variance in the waiting period between casino events between casino regions, while also taking into account travel considerations to casino facilities. 31 March 2010 - iii - Introduction Alberta’s charitable gaming model provides an opportunity for charitable and religious organizations 1 to conduct and manage over 3,400 casino events each year. In 2008-09, eligible organizations received $199 million from casino events. 2 The proceeds to charities have grown since 2002-03 when charitable casino proceeds were $122 million. Although the total amount of gaming proceeds is lauded by charities, many have expressed concerns with how these proceeds are distributed or shared amongst groups. A primary reason for this concern is that there are more groups eligible to conduct casino events (over 7,000 charities) than there are available licensed casino events each year (3,458). The eligible groups are not evenly distributed across the province, meaning that there are some areas that have a high number of charities sharing one casino facility. As well, some casino facilities generate more revenue than others, meaning that the charities that conduct and manage events in regions with better performing casino facilities receive greater proceeds. Another concern expressed by some charities is the difficulties associated with finding volunteers to work the casino event. MLA Committee In September 2009, a committee of MLAs was appointed by the former Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security, Mr. Fred Lindsay. The Committee was comprised of three MLAs: 3 Mr. Doug Griffiths (MLA for Battle River-Wainwright), as Chair, Mr. Dave Rodney (MLA for Calgary-Lougheed), as member, and Mr. Doug Elniski (MLA for Edmonton-Calder), as member. Purpose The purpose of the MLA Committee was to conduct a review of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission’s (AGLC) policies regarding access to licensed casino events by eligible organizations and the distribution of proceeds from licensed casino events to these organizations to ensure that: 1. Proceeds are equitably distributed to eligible organizations; 2. Eligible organizations are able to continue to deliver their programs/services; 3. The policies are current, specific, clear, transparent, and accessible to eligible organizations; and 4. The policies comply with the requirements of the Criminal Code (Canada), the Gaming and Liquor Act and the Gaming and Liquor Regulation. 1 Charitable and religious organizations are referred to as “charities” through the remainder of this report. In 2001, the Government of Alberta implemented the First Nation Gaming Policy. The policy is based on Alberta’s charitable gaming model and applies to First Nation casinos that are located on reserve land. In 2008/09, an additional $53 million was earned by Host First Nation charities at casinos located on First Nation reserves. 3 On September 17, 2009, Mr. Doug Griffiths (MLA Battle River–Wainwright) replaced Mr. Rob Anderson (MLA for Airdrie-Chestermere) as Chair of the committee. 2 31 March 2010 -1- Scope The MLA Committee was to act in an advisory capacity to the Minister responsible for the AGLC and make recommendations to the Minister on the following matters: 1. The criteria to be used to determine equitable access by eligible organizations to licensed casino events, including consideration of casino region boundaries and suggestions for improved access; 2. The criteria to be used to determine equitable distribution of casino proceeds (i.e. from slot machines and table games) to eligible organizations from licensed casino events throughout Alberta and suggestions for improved distribution; and 3. The number of volunteers required to conduct casino events. Objectives The following were the objectives for the review: Conduct stakeholder consultations with eligible organizations throughout Alberta. Research and analyze the potential criteria that may be used to determine equitable access by eligible organizations to licensed casino events. Research and analyze potential criteria that may be used to determine equitable distribution of casino proceeds. Provide an analysis of options considered to improve the access and distribution of proceeds to eligible organizations. Research and analyze the number of volunteers required to conduct a casino event. Make recommendations to the Minister. 31 March 2010 -2- Background The Criminal Code The Criminal Code (Canada) bans all forms of gambling in Canada, with specified exceptions. Two of those exceptions are set out under section 207 of the Criminal Code. The first exception allows Provincial governments to conduct and manage gaming activities alone, or in conjunction with other provinces. The second exception allows a Provincial government to issue licences to charitable or religious organizations to conduct and manage non-electronic forms of gaming, as long as the proceeds go toward charitable or religious purposes. A summary of the relevant provisions under section 207 are as follows: Section 207(1)(a) – where the provincial government conducts and manages all gaming activities (an exclusive requirement for any electronic gaming operation); and Section 207(1)(b) – where a licensed charitable or religious organization conducts and manages (non-electronic) gaming activities pursuant to a licence issued by a provincial authority and provided that the proceeds of the gaming activity are used for charitable or religious purposes. The phrase “conducts and manages” articulates the fact that the fundamental decisions regarding gaming activities, in the above two exceptions, must lie with the provincial government or a charitable or religious organization. This is also referred to as the “operating mind”. For simplicity, the organization with the authority to make fundamental decisions is used to differentiate the two main forms of gaming: Section 207(1)(a) where the provincial government has authority is termed “Provincial Gaming” or “Provincial Lotteries.” Section 207(1)(b) where the charitable or religious organization has the authority is termed “Charitable Gaming.” Section 207(1)(b) states that it is lawful: “for a charitable or religious organization, pursuant to a licence issued by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of a province or by such other person or authority in the province as may be specified by the Lieutenant Governor in Council thereof, to conduct and manage a lottery scheme in that province if the proceeds from a lottery scheme are used for a charitable or religious object or purpose” Each province within Canada has chosen to implement a unique combination of provincial and charitable gaming activities. Some jurisdictions have taken a very handson approach, where the province conducts and manages most, or all, gaming activities in the province. Other jurisdictions have taken a more hands-off approach, where the province conducts and manages electronic gaming and allows charitable and religious organizations to conduct and manage bingo, pull tickets, and raffles. Alberta is the only Canadian jurisdiction where charitable and religious organizations conduct and manage non-electronic gaming activities within casino facilities. 31 March 2010 -3- Alberta’s Charitable Gaming Model Alberta employs a charitable gaming model. Within this model, casino, bingo, raffle and pull ticket events may only occur when eligible religious and charitable organizations apply for and receive a licence from the AGLC to conduct and manage the gaming activity. Eligible organizations earn proceeds from their direct involvement in the gaming activities. This model is distinct in Canada with respect to the relatively high involvement by charitable organizations. In other jurisdictions, the government typically plays a more prominent role in conducting and managing gaming activities, receives most of the proceeds, and distributes the proceeds as it deems appropriate. This is particularly true with respect to casino facilities in other provinces. In Alberta, charities are specifically licensed to conduct and manage table games, such as roulette, blackjack, and poker, at two-day events at traditional casino facilities. In return, charities receive the proceeds from the table games and pay a fixed fee to the facility operator. Other than licence fees, the AGLC receives no share of the proceeds from these activities. According to the Criminal Code (Canada), only a province or its agent, which in Alberta’s case is the AGLC, may conduct and manage electronic gaming, such as slot machines. Although charities play no direct role in the operation of slot machines, they receive a 15 percent commission from slot machine net sales. A commission is paid by the AGLC to charities because the slot machines are running during the charities’ licensed casino events. The majority of proceeds to charities are from slot machines. In 2008-09, charities received about $63 million from table games and over $136 million from electronic gaming at casino facilities. Casino Regions and Access There are 19 traditional casino facilities located throughout Alberta. Not every community in Alberta has a casino facility. Charities are generally assigned to the nearest casino (outside of Edmonton or Calgary) – meaning that “casino regions” have been defined. In general, the casino region boundaries take into consideration factors such as travel time and distance and the number of casinos in a region. The following map shows the current casino boundaries. 31 March 2010 -4- 31 March 2010 -5- The number of charities within each region has significantly increased over time – with some regions increasing faster than others. In 2000, there were under 4,000 charities eligible to hold a casino event. In 2010, there are over 7,000 charities eligible to hold a casino event at any one time. Access to casino facilities is currently guided by the following principles: Nearest Casino Access Casino proceeds should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came. Typically, charities are licensed to conduct two-day events at casino facilities in the community or region where they conduct their program delivery. Casino regions are defined so that licensed charities are generally assigned to their nearest casino for their event. Charities’ Access to Edmonton and Calgary Only charities located within Edmonton and Calgary or those providing province-wide services are permitted to receive a licence for a casino event in Edmonton and Calgary casino facilities. In addition to ensuring that casino proceeds are distributed back to the communities from which they came, many charities in the larger urban centres of Edmonton and Calgary support a larger client-base. This includes the provincial charities which provide services throughout Alberta. AGLC Board Policies specifically related to access to casino facilities are located in: • Section 2.1.2 - Casino Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines. Proceeds Distribution Prior to 1996, charities that conducted casino events could actually lose money. Losses were incurred when the total prizes paid out were greater than the total bets placed during a given casino event. There were times when a charity would conduct an event on a day when attendance was low at a casino and incur a loss. Also, the casino facility fee had to be paid before the charity received any proceeds. As facility fees increased, charities made less (or no) money. Facility operators even offered “no-loss insurance” to charities so they wouldn’t end up having to pay more than they earned. Two changes were implemented in 1996 to address these issues: First, the fixed facility fees were capped at an amount equivalent to a percentage of proceeds. Second, the pooling of charitable proceeds was made mandatory at all casino facilities. This evened out the disparity in net revenues between different casino events at the same casino facility. All charities that held an event in the same three-month period at one casino facility pooled their proceeds and losses – and each received the same “pool payout”. 31 March 2010 -6- The pooling of revenues ensured that charities working the less active mid-week time slots would receive the same amount of revenue as those working on the prime weekend time slots. In 1998 and 1999, further changes directed that the charity commission on slot machines be pooled within a city. All charities holding a casino event within the same quarter in the same city pooled their slot machine proceeds. Subsequently, the AGLC’s Licensing Policy Review of 2001 recommended that charitable proceeds from casino table games be pooled by city. These changes created a more equitable distribution of casino proceeds to charitable groups which operate within the same community. Citywide pooling eliminated the competition to hold an event in a more profitable casino within the same community. Today, the distribution of casino proceeds is based on the following principles: Revenue Pooling Charities holding casino events at a casino within a city or region should receive the same proceeds from the events. Regions with more than one casino facility pool proceeds across all casino facilities in the region. Revenue (or regional) pooling ensures that within a city or region, a charity volunteering at a lower-performing casino receives the same proceeds as a charity with an event in a higher-performing facility. This is the case in Edmonton (five casino facilities), Calgary urban (five casino facilities), and Red Deer (two casino facilities). Revenue pooling also occurs between the Camrose and St. Albert regions (2 casino facilities). Prior to the opening of the Camrose casino, charities that are currently located within the Camrose casino region were located within the St. Albert casino region. Therefore, for historical reasons, proceeds are pooled within the two regions. Within the city of Calgary, one of its six casino facilities within the Calgary city limits is designated as a “rural” casino to service the charities within the Calgary rural casino region which surrounds Calgary. Electronic gaming proceeds are pooled amongst all six casino facilities. The Calgary rural casino does not pool table game proceeds. Quarterly Pooling Charities within a pooling region should receive a similar amount of proceeds regardless of the day of the week they hold their event. Proceeds are typically higher on weekends than weekdays. Quarterly pooling ensures charities that conduct events in the same casino during the same quarter all receive an equal amount of proceeds. Volunteer Requirements Pooling should only occur among similar size traditional casino facilities since minor and major casino facilities have different volunteer requirements. 31 March 2010 -7- This is the case with Edmonton and Calgary (major casino facilities) and Red Deer and St. Albert/Camrose (minor casino facilities). Events in major casino facilities require more effort (minimum requirement is 25 volunteers) on the part of the charity than events in minor casino facilities (minimum requirement is 15 volunteers). AGLC Board Policies specifically related to the distribution of casino proceeds are located in: • Section 2.9 - Casino Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines; and • Section 23 - Casino Licensee Terms and Conditions. Volunteer Requirements In Alberta, charities are licensed specifically to conduct and manage table games in casino facilities and, as a result, earn proceeds from the table games. The charitable casino event licensee is required to provide volunteers for various key financial positions during the casino event. Charitable volunteers have no direct role or involvement in the operation of slot machines during the charitable casino event, but are paid a commission for allowing the province to operate slot machines during their licensed casino event. This commission to charities is 15 percent of net proceeds from electronic gaming. In general, minor casino facilities (those with between one and 15 table games) require a minimum of 15 volunteers and major casino facilities (those with 16 or more table games) require a minimum of 25 volunteers. However, charities with not enough volunteers to conduct an event alone may apply for a joint venture licence with another group. Volunteers work in the cash cage or the count room and fill the positions of: General Manager and Alternate Banker Cashier Count Room Supervisor Chip Runner Count Room staff (Counter, Sorter, Amalgamator) Independent registered gaming workers, Casino Advisors, are hired by charities to assist charitable groups in the conduct of their casino event. The first four positions must be filled by members of the charity. Other positions can be recruited outside of the charity’s membership. AGLC Board Policies specifically related to volunteer requirements are located in: • Section 2.4 - Casino Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines; and • Section 27 to 37 - Casino Licensee Terms and Conditions. 31 March 2010 -8- Current Situation Waiting Period - Access At present, there are approximately 7,000 charities eligible to hold a casino event at a casino in Alberta. These charities are not evenly distributed throughout the province and are not evenly distributed throughout the designated casino regions. There is a low of 244 charities in the Fort McMurray region and 246 in the Medicine Hat region up to a high of 1,682 charities in the Edmonton region. The 19 casino facilities are located in different regions throughout the province. Edmonton and Calgary each have five, Red Deer has two and the remaining regions have one. Therefore, as shown in Table A, the number of charities assigned per casino ranges from a low of 244 in the Fort McMurray region to a high of 524 in Lethbridge. Each year, there is the potential to schedule 3,458 two-day casino events in Alberta’s casino facilities (182 events per casino). Because there are more eligible charities than there are casino events in a year and because they are not evenly distributed throughout the province, there is a waiting period to hold a casino event. The waiting period to hold a casino event varies considerably across the province from 16 months in Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat to 34.5 months in Lethbridge. The majority of charities deliver their programs within the designated casino region where they are assigned to conduct their casino event. This is primarily because the service area for most charities is a single community. In February 2010, there were 261 provincial charities. These are charities which provide services throughout the province and are permitted to choose the casino region in which they will hold their casino event. The majority, 56 percent, hold their casino events in Edmonton, 38 percent hold their events in Calgary and the remaining events are held at other casino facilities throughout the province. Provincial charities are included in the “Number of Charities” within the region in Table A. Table A: Number of Charities per Casino Casino Region Number of Casinos Number of 1 Charities Charities per Casino Waiting Period Between Events (months) 16.1 16.2 19.3 22.2 32.4 33.0 27.7 31.0 33.2 34.5 Fort McMurray 1 244 244 Medicine Hat 1 246 246 Calgary Urban 5 1,466 293.2 Edmonton 5 1,682 336.4 Calgary Rural 1 491 491 Red Deer 2 1000 500 St. Albert 1 420 420 Camrose 1 470 470 Grande Prairie 1 503 503 Lethbridge 1 524 524 Totals 19 7,046 1 Number of licensed charities on waiting lists in each region as of February 1, 2010 31 March 2010 -9- Proceeds Earned – Distribution of Proceeds Due to the implementation of pooling principles as described previously, the distribution of proceeds to charities within each region are the same for each charity that held a casino event within the quarter. Between casino regions, proceeds earned can vary considerably. This is due to various factors including, among other things, population base, economic conditions, or size of casino. Proceeds averaged over the previous eight quarters have ranged from a high of $77,486 in Edmonton to a low of $18,011 in the St. Albert/Camrose pooling region (Table B). Within the city of Calgary, one casino has been designated as a casino to service the Calgary-Rural region. In keeping with the pooling principles, all electronic proceeds are pooled between all six casino facilities located within the city of Calgary. The CalgaryRural casino does not pool table game proceeds with other Calgary casino facilities. Table B: Casino Proceeds to Charities Casino Region Table Proceeds Electronic Proceeds Proceeds/ 1 Event Edmonton $26,405 $51,081 $77,486 Calgary $34,564 $40,981 $75,544 Fort McMurray $5,776 $54,061 $59,837 2 Calgary Rural $5,029 $40,981 $46,010 Grande Prairie $3,686 $33,690 $37,376 Lethbridge $3,465 $31,994 $35,460 Red Deer $1,803 $24,830 $26,633 Medicine Hat ($60) $20,015 $19,955 3 St. Albert $926 $17,085 $18,011 3 Camrose $926 $17,085 $18,011 1 Average of proceeds per event paid out to charities from January 2007 to December 2009. 2 Calgary Rural casino pools slot proceeds with all other Calgary casino facilities. 3 Proceeds are pooled for the St. Albert and Camrose casino facilities. Annualized Proceeds Annualized proceeds are a calculation of the estimated proceeds per year – It is not the actual proceeds per event. There are two primary factors that determine “annualized proceeds”; the waiting period and the proceeds per event. Waiting period is the length of time that each charity must wait between holding casino events in its region. Waiting period can be affected by changing the number of casino facilities within a region, or by changing the number of charities within a particular region. Proceeds per event is the dollar share of proceeds from the casino event that a charity receives. Proceeds per event can be affected by changing the revenue generated by the casino or by pooling revenue from a number of casino facilities among the charities. By taking proceeds per event and factoring in the waiting period, the amount of casino proceeds to each charity on an annual basis, or “annualized proceeds”, are determined. 31 March 2010 - 10 - Annualized proceeds are calculated by dividing proceeds per event by the waiting period in years. Annualized proceeds combines the effects of the waiting period and the proceeds per event into a single indicator. For example, although the proceeds per event are higher for charities in Red Deer ($26,633) than Medicine Hat ($19,955), the difference in waiting periods to hold a casino event between Red Deer (33 months) and Medicine Hat (16.2 months) means that on an annualized basis, charities in Red Deer received $9,685, while charities in Medicine Hat received $14,782. Because proceeds per event and the waiting periods to hold a casino event vary considerably across the province, there is considerable disparity in annualized proceeds. Using an average from January 2007 to December 2009, annualized proceeds range from a high of $46,971 in Calgary to a low of $6,972 in Camrose. Table C outlines the waiting period in each casino region, the number of charities eligible to hold a casino event in each region, the average proceeds raised per casino event, and the annualized proceeds using an average over the last eight quarters. Table C: Proceeds to Charities, Waiting Period and Annualized Proceeds Region Table Electronic 1 Total Waiting Period No. 2 Charities Annualized 3 Calgary $34,564 $40,981 $75,544 19.3 1466 $46,971 Fort $5,776 $54,061 $59,837 16.1 244 $44,599 McMurray Edmonton $26,405 $51,081 $77,486 22.2 1682 $41,884 Calgary Rural $5,029 $40,981 $46,010 32.4 491 $17,041 Medicine Hat ($60) $20,015 $19,955 16.2 246 $14,782 Grande $3,686 $33,690 $37,376 33.2 503 $13,509 Prairie Lethbridge $3,465 $31,994 $35,460 34.5 524 $12,334 Red Deer $1,803 $24,830 $26,633 33 1000 $9,685 St. Albert $926 $17,085 $18,011 27.7 420 $7,803 Camrose $926 $17,085 $18,011 31 470 $6,972 1 Average of proceeds per event paid out to charities from January 2007 to December 2009. 2 Number of licensed charities on waiting lists in each region as of February 1, 2010. 3 Annualized proceeds are calculated by dividing proceeds per event by the waiting period in years. Volunteer Requirements At present, casino events in Calgary and Edmonton require a minimum requirement of 25 volunteers. Events outside of those cities require a minimum volunteer requirement of 15 volunteers. Some charities and casino operators have requested that the number of volunteers required to conduct an event be reviewed. 31 March 2010 - 11 - Consultation Summary Consultation Process All charitable organizations licensed or slotted for casino events were provided the opportunity to participate in the province-wide consultation. A letter announcing the consultation was sent to all licensed/slotted charitable organizations the same day as the announcement of the review. Eligible organizations were invited to participate in regional consultation meetings (discussion groups) and/or provide a written submission. To provide a common base for feedback on the three key issues, questions were created by which submissions could be made. An overview of the issues and the AGLC’s operating principles were presented with the questions in order to establish a common understanding. The questions enabled eligible organizations to present feedback on current principles in which the AGLC operates and provide suggestions for improvement and alternative approaches. Information regarding the consultation process consisting of background information on the distribution of casino proceeds to licensed charities, key questions to focus the input from stakeholders, and schedule/registration for consultation meetings, written submission instructions and contact information was made available on the AGLC website. Regional consultation meetings were scheduled in each of the following locations: Grande Prairie Fort McMurray St. Albert Edmonton Camrose Red Deer Lethbridge Medicine Hat Calgary Each consultation meeting lasted approximately two and a half hours. The meetings were facilitated by the Community Development Branch of Alberta Culture and Community Spirit. The Committee members listened to discussions and sought clarification of views expressed. A 15 minute presentation outlining the issues and challenges with the current principles was presented by the Director of Licensing and Charitable Gaming from the AGLC. Participants took part in group discussions with the focus on the three consultation questions. Each group was asked to record their discussion and to report back key points of discussion. Feedback was collected at the end of the meeting. Eligible organizations were also encouraged to provide written submissions through mail, fax or email. The deadline for written submissions was November 20, 2009 4. A total of 1,408 participants representing 910 eligible organizations participated in 15 regional consultations. The Committee also received 416 eligible written submissions (email, mail and fax) between September and December 2009. 4 The original deadline, October 30, 2009, was extended. 31 March 2010 - 12 - Casino operators and casino advisors were provided with the opportunity to comment on the number of volunteers. Consultation Findings Summary A total of 416 eligible individual submissions were received across ten casino regions. Feedback was gathered from a total of 160 stakeholder tables during the 15 sessions held in nine locations throughout the province. (Additional information is provided in the Appendix) Access Individual Submissions Individual organizations were asked if some boundaries should be moved to help equalize wait times across the province. Of the 362 submissions that addressed wait times, 45 percent responded ‘No’, while 34 percent responded ‘Yes’. Of those who said ‘Yes’, 61 percent were from Camrose, Calgary Rural and Red Deer. Of those who said ‘No’, 77 percent were from Edmonton and Calgary. Charities assigned to Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat tended to lean toward not moving boundaries. Twenty-one percent of the 362 organizations did not directly answer the question. When asked if casinos within Edmonton and Calgary should be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities, 33 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 21 percent responded ‘No’. Of those who said ‘Yes’, 86 percent were from Edmonton and Calgary. Of those who said ‘No’, 77 percent were from outside of Edmonton and Calgary with the most significantly opposed regions being Camrose, Calgary Rural, and St. Albert. Forty-six percent of the 362 organizations did not directly answer the question. Key factors for consideration in moving boundaries included travel (time, distance, cost, and safety for volunteers), the effect on wait times, demographics (population and density), differences between “urban” and “rural” regions, number and recruitment of volunteers, and the population that is served by the charities. Generally, “urban” referred to Calgary or Edmonton. Travel was considered a priority factor for all but one region. Other than travel, equitable wait time was the focus for those outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Those within Edmonton and Calgary considered population density and the population base that the charity serves. The most frequently recurring alternatives for addressing wait times included: Changing the boundaries to include a metro concept, that is, greater Calgary area and/or greater Edmonton area; Pooling all or some proceeds; Reducing the number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria and better screening; Having flexible boundaries allowing for rotations and charity choice, e.g., access to Edmonton, Calgary, or Fort McMurray on a limited time basis; and 31 March 2010 - 13 - Combining “urban” and “rural” boundaries or opening “urban” boundaries, e.g., Calgary and Calgary Rural, Edmonton and Camrose. Regional Sessions Stakeholders were asked if some boundaries should be moved to help equalize wait times across the province. Of the 160 tables overall, 47 percent responded ‘No’, while 43 percent responded ‘Yes’. No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 10 percent of the tables. When asked if casinos within Edmonton and Calgary should be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities, approximately 47 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 24 percent responded ‘No’. No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 29 percent of the tables. Key factors for consideration in moving boundaries included travel (time, distance, cost, and safety for volunteers), the effect on wait times, demographics (population and density), differences between “urban” and “rural” costs and proceeds, and the distribution of proceeds. The most frequently recurring alternatives included: Combining “urban” and “rural” boundaries, e.g., Calgary and Calgary Rural, Edmonton and Camrose; Having flexible boundaries allowing for rotations and charity choice; Changing the boundaries to a greater area concept, e.g. north and south, moving Calgary boundaries north; Reducing the number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria and better screening; and Pooling all or some proceeds. Distribution of Proceeds Individual Submissions Individual organizations were asked if proceeds from casino events should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came (current policy). Of the 397 submissions that addressed proceeds, 53 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 13 percent responded ‘No’. Of those who said ‘Yes’, 78 percent were from Edmonton and Calgary. Calgary Rural, Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat charities tended to agree with this statement. Of those who said ‘No’, 70 percent were from Camrose, St. Albert, and Red Deer. Thirty four percent of the 397 organizations did not answer this question directly. When asked if charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement should receive the same proceeds within the region (current policy), 54 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 7 percent responded ‘No’. There did not appear to be any significant regional trends. Thirty nine percent did not answer the question directly. 31 March 2010 - 14 - The most frequently recurring alternatives for distributing proceeds included: Pooling proceeds province-wide (among the top three response for nine regions); Distributing proceeds based on an equal basis (among top three responses for six regions – Calgary Rural, Camrose, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and St. Albert); Distributing proceeds based on charity characteristics such as size and needs (among top three response for three regions – Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray); Distributing proceeds based on the number of volunteers (based on volunteer hours) (9 percent of respondents – top three response for two regions – Red Deer and St. Albert); and Seeking supplemental funding sources for charities (among top three responses for one region – Calgary). Regional Sessions Stakeholders were asked if proceeds from casino events should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came (current policy). Of the 160 tables overall, 64 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 28 percent responded ‘No’. No direct answer was stated or could be implied for 8 percent of the tables. When asked if charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement should receive the same proceeds within the region (current policy), 64 percent responded ‘Yes’, while 12 percent responded ‘No’. No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 24 percent of the tables. The most frequently recurring alternatives for distributing proceeds included: Pooling proceeds province-wide; Increasing the percentage of government allocation of proceeds to charities; Changing the boundaries to equalize proceeds; Distributing proceeds based on charity characteristics; and Distributing proceeds based on volunteer numbers or hours. Number of Volunteers Individual Submissions Individual organizations were asked if the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event should be decreased or remain the same. Of the 352 submissions that addressed volunteers, 69 percent suggested the number remain the same, 6 percent suggested the number decrease and 2 percent suggested the number increase. There did not appear to be regional differences. 31 March 2010 - 15 - The most frequently recurring alternatives for changing volunteer numbers included: Allowing charities to run joint casinos; Casinos being more flexible about volunteer positions; Having the number of volunteers decided by the casino or advisors; Reducing the number of volunteers required; Allowing charities to share volunteers or compiling a list of additional volunteers; and Charities giving up their casino event if they had insufficient volunteers. Regional Sessions Stakeholders were asked if the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event should be decreased or remain the same. Of the 160 tables overall, 69 percent suggested the number remain the same, 14 percent suggested the number decrease, and 1 percent suggested the number increase. The most frequently recurring alternatives for changing volunteer numbers included: Casinos being more flexible about volunteer positions; Allowing charities to run joint casinos; Allowing charities to share volunteers or compiling a list of additional volunteers; Eliminating or decreasing the number of chip runners; and Charities giving up their casino event if they had insufficient volunteers. Casino Operator Submissions The Alberta Charitable Casino Operators (ACCO) met with the MLA Committee and provided a written submission stating their support for charitable casino model and the continued involvement of charities and volunteers in operating casino events. Options were presented that “do not advocate the elimination or reduction in importance of charities or volunteers”. The preferred option by ACCO recommends the reduction of volunteers to a minimum of two (one of which would be the General Manager) with the elimination of count room volunteer positions and replacing them with existing casino staff members. This option would also include the elimination of the casino advisor positions. The other option is to maintain the volunteer count room staff except the count room supervisors. The count would be done each morning with existing casino staff coordinating the volunteers with the General Manager (volunteer) providing an oversight role. Under this option, the count room advisor would not be required. However it was noted that the benefits and costs in this option would not be as significant as the first option. In summary, the ACCO is advocating the preferred option with a higher split of the table proceeds (5 percent minor casinos and 10 percent major casinos) to cover the additional expenses which would be incurred. 31 March 2010 - 16 - Casino Advisor Submissions All registered casino advisors were encouraged to provide a written submission concerning the number of volunteers required to hold a casino event. In addition, the MLA Committee met with representatives of the Registered Casino Advisors Association of Alberta (North and South regions) who suggested that the number of volunteers could be reduced to a general manager, banker and 1 to 2 chip runners per shift, but emphasized their desire to maintain the charitable model and the volunteer contribution. A total of ten individual and group submissions were received. The main theme identified in the advisors’ feedback is the need for the number of volunteers to remain the same with the caveat of greater flexibility. The top areas noted by the advisors include: the possibility of some positions to be staffed with paid employees either of the charity or the casino; the ability for one volunteer to hold more than one position throughout the two day event; the ability for charities to access volunteers through other means such as advertising or sharing volunteers with other organizations; and reducing the event to one day casinos. Two submissions discussed the possibility of reducing the number of volunteers. 31 March 2010 - 17 - Committee Findings In general, the Committee heard that charities throughout Alberta are very satisfied with Alberta’s charitable casino model - the only one of its kind in Canada where charities conduct and manage table games and receive a direct benefit from their involvement. Although charities suggest some efficiencies may exist in terms of volunteer responsibilities, they are willing to provide the volunteers required to conduct the events. However, there does appear to be some concerns with the distribution of proceeds to charities and the access that charities have to the various casino regions. The Committee finds that the concerns are a direct result of the variability in the proceeds earned throughout the province, both in terms of the proceeds per event and the annualized proceeds. Generally, charities in the current casino regions with low annualized proceeds support changes to the access of distribution policies that have the potential to increase proceeds from casino events. This is primarily the case for the St. Albert, Camrose and Red Deer casino regions. Generally, charities in the current casino regions with high annualized proceeds do not support changes that have the potential to decrease proceeds from casino events. This is primarily the case for the Edmonton, Calgary and Fort McMurray casino regions. The Committee and the charities consulted during this review are all very aware that there is a limited amount of casino proceeds available and that any amendments to policies that impact the distribution of proceeds or the access to casino regions results in a reallocation of those casino proceeds. Access The Committee heard that boundaries and their associated waiting period is a concern for charities currently assigned to the Camrose, Calgary Rural and Red Deer regions. These three casino regions currently have a relatively longer waiting period between casino events. Charities within Edmonton, Calgary, Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat tended to not want adjustments made to boundaries or to equalize wait times. These four casino regions currently have the shortest waiting period between casino events. The Committee heard that charities within Edmonton and Calgary think that access to Edmonton and Calgary casinos should be limited to charities within Edmonton and Calgary as well as provincial charities. Charities in close proximity to Edmonton and Calgary generally disagreed. The Committee also heard that the key factors for consideration in assigning charities to casino regions should be travel, wait times, and population. Those outside of Edmonton and Calgary tended to lean towards equalization of wait times. Those within Edmonton and Calgary pointed towards taking into account population density and the population base served by the charities. 31 March 2010 - 18 - Although the Committee heard suggestions to review the eligibility of charities, this was outside of the scope of the review. In the interest of all charities throughout Alberta, the Committee believes that the waiting period to hold a casino event should be equitable throughout the province. In an ideal situation, all charities would have access to a casino event at equal intervals. The Committee is also aware that considerations such as transportation routes, casino placement and the uneven geographic distribution of charities throughout the province makes developing equal waiting periods between casino events impossible. The Committee recognizes that casino regions outside of the two major urban centres of Edmonton and Calgary are in some ways arbitrary in terms of the boundaries. In the past, these casino region boundaries have been developed so that charities have generally been assigned to the nearest casino while also attempting to even out the waiting period among the casino regions. The Committee ascertains that boundaries must be utilized to divide charities amongst the casino regions so as to avoid large discrepancies in the waiting period to hold a casino event, but that travel must be a key consideration. The Committee also believes that due to the province-wide delivery of their services, provincial charities should be able to access any of the casino facilities located throughout the province. The Committee heard that a greater Edmonton and/or greater Calgary area should be explored. Distribution of Proceeds The Committee heard that a number of policies related to the distribution of proceeds are working. This included the quarterly pooling of proceeds and the pooling of proceeds in regions with more than one casino. The Committee also heard that charities believe that the proceeds from casino events should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came. However, those with lower proceeds did not agree. That said, charities also indicated that proceeds should be distributed equally with alternatives such as province-wide pooling and distributing proceeds on an equal basis being the top mentioned alternatives to the current model. It was also clear to the Committee that charities depend on the proceeds from gaming to deliver their many worthwhile programs and services. Charities generally supported change if the change implied a potential increase in proceeds and did not support change if it implied a decrease in potential proceeds. Although the Committee heard suggestions to increase the total pool available to charities, in the Committee’s determination, this was outside of the scope of the review. 31 March 2010 - 19 - If there were no pooling or sharing of proceeds among charities, on any given day, a charity could win or lose proceeds at a specific event. Therefore, policies that minimize the risk from individual charities or that share the risk among charities are a positive feature in the distribution of proceeds. Quarterly pooling is an effective way to ensure that no charity is disadvantage by holding a casino event on any particular day. Pooling of proceeds is also an effective way to ensure that no charity is disadvantaged by holding a casino event at a particular casino. This is particularly true in cities with more than one casino. Charities recognize that, in the charitable casino model, charities provide volunteers to conduct and manage the table games at casino facilities and that they receive a commission from the electronic gaming conducted at the casino by the AGLC. It is a requirement of Section 207(1)(a) of the Criminal Code that the province must conduct and manage electronic gaming. In this respect, table games proceeds are earned by charities and electronic gaming proceeds are earned by the AGLC. The Committee also recognizes that not all communities within Alberta can sustain a casino facility. However, the Committee also recognizes that the communities that surround a casino facility contribute to its proceeds. Volunteer Requirements The Committee heard that charities value Alberta’s charitable gaming model. Most charities did not propose any amendments to the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event. The Committee also heard that the primary areas of concern for charities include: Coordination of casino events between two or more eligible organizations; and Flexibility with volunteer positions. The Committee heard that charities see an opportunity to improve the charitable casino model if AGLC Board policies: Delegated the decision on the number of required volunteers to the casino or casino advisors; Permitted charities to share volunteers; Eliminated or decreased the number of chip runners; and Required charities to give up casino events if the charity had insufficient volunteers. The Committee also heard that the Alberta Charitable Casino Operators would support a reduction in the number of volunteer positions and that Casino Advisors recommend greater flexibility for volunteer positions. 31 March 2010 - 20 - The Committee understands that all gaming in Canada is illegal other than the exceptions that are explicit in the Criminal Code (Canada). Under section 207(1)(b), charities can conduct and manage a gaming activity in accordance with a licence issued by the Province. The volunteer involvement in Alberta casino facilities satisfies the “conduct and management” requirement under the Criminal Code and is a fundamental component of the charitable casino model. To eliminate the volunteers from the casino event would not only bring an end to the charitable model, but would require that the Province conduct and manage the casino table games pursuant to its authority under s.207(1)(a) of the Code. Given that Alberta’s charitable casino model requires charities to conduct and manage casino events, the Committee found that in order to maintain Alberta’s charitable gaming model, the charity must remain the “operating mind” of the casino event. 31 March 2010 - 21 - Recommendations Volunteers Recommendation 1 The Committee is not recommending any major changes to the number of volunteers within the charitable casino model. However, wherever possible, the Committee recommends that the AGLC Board minimize the time and effort required by volunteers in the conduct and management of the casino event and provide for flexibility for volunteers, while ensuring the “operating mind” remains that of the charity. Proceeds and Access The Committee determined that access to casino events and the distribution of proceeds from casino events should be assessed together. Given that: Table games are conducted and managed by eligible charities and the proceeds from table games are a direct result of their efforts; and Electronic gaming at casino facilities is conducted and managed by the AGLC, an Agent of the Government of Alberta. The Committee recommends the following principles be implemented in regard to the distribution of proceeds from casino events and access to casino facilities: Recommendation 2 The Committee recognizes that risk should be minimized or shared amongst charities and therefore, the Committee recommends that: within a quarter, all proceeds to charities with a casino event at the same casino should continue to be equal; and within casino regions with more than one casino where charities can choose from more than one casino to hold their casino event, all proceeds should continue to be equal. Recommendation 3 The Committee recognizes that the proceeds from table games are earned directly from the conduct and management of those games by eligible organizations within the casino region; therefore, those charities within the casino region should receive the proceeds from those table games. Recommendation 4 The Committee recognizes that communities surrounding cities with casino facilities contribute to the proceeds of casino events within those cities; therefore, a region should be created around Edmonton, such as a greater Edmonton casino region (similar to the existing casino region around Calgary) and electronic gaming proceeds should be distributed equally amongst casino events located within the casino region surrounding Edmonton and casino facilities located within Edmonton. (Currently, this is the case with the Calgary casino region that surrounds Calgary). 31 March 2010 - 22 - Recommendation 5 The Committee recognizes that casino region boundaries outside of Edmonton and Calgary are arbitrary; therefore, electronic gaming proceeds should be shared equally amongst charities assigned to casino regions outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Recommendation 6 The Committee recommends that casino region boundaries outside of Edmonton and Calgary should be “optimized” by minimizing the variance in the waiting period between casino events between casino regions, while also taking into account travel considerations to casino facilities. 31 March 2010 - 23 - Terms of Reference September 10, 2009 MLA Advisory Committee to Review Eligible Organizations’ Access to and Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Background Alberta’s charitable gaming model provides an opportunity for charitable and religious organizations to conduct and manage over 3,400 casino events each year. In 2007-08, these organizations received $243.9 million in gaming proceeds. The proceeds to charities have almost doubled since 2002-03 when charitable casino proceeds were $122 million. Although the total amount of gaming proceeds is lauded by charitable and religious groups, many have expressed concerns with how these proceeds are distributed. At the heart of the matter is the fact that there are more groups eligible to conduct casino events (6,973 charities) than there are available licensed events each year (3,458). The eligible groups are not evenly distributed across the province, meaning that there are some areas that have a higher number of eligible charities per casino event than other areas resulting in differing wait times between casino events. As well, the casinos do not perform the same. Some casinos generate more revenue than others, meaning that the charities that conduct and manage events in regions with better performing casinos receive greater proceeds. At the centre of the charitable casino model is the requirement for charities to conduct and manage casino events by providing volunteers. Eligible organizations earn proceeds from their direct involvement in table games at casinos and, in return, charities receive the proceeds from the table games, from which they pay a fee for service to the facility operator. Although charities play no direct role in the operation of slot machines, they receive a 15 per cent commission from slot machine net sales. The majority of proceeds to charities are from slot machines. In 2007-08, charities received about $72.6 million from table games and over $171.3 million from slot machines and Keno at casinos. A number of stakeholders, including some charities and operators, believe that the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event should be reviewed. Purpose To conduct a review of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission’s policies regarding access to licensed casino events by eligible organizations and the distribution of proceeds from licensed casino events to these organizations to ensure that: 1. Proceeds are equitably distributed to eligible organizations; 2. Eligible organizations are able to continue to deliver their programs/services; 3. The policies are current, specific, clear, transparent, and accessible to eligible organizations; and 4. The policies comply with the requirements of the Criminal Code (Canada), the Gaming and Liquor Act and the Gaming and Liquor Regulation. Scope The MLA Committee will act in an advisory capacity to the Minister responsible for the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (i.e. the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security) and make recommendations to the Minister on the following matters: 1. The criteria to be used to determine equitable access by eligible organizations to licensed casino events, including consideration of casino region boundaries and suggestions for improved access; 2. The criteria to be used to determine equitable distribution of casino proceeds (i.e. from slot machines and table games) to eligible organizations from licensed casino events throughout Alberta and suggestions for improved distribution; and 3. The number of volunteers required to conduct casino events. The charitable gaming model which provides an opportunity for eligible organizations to conduct and manage over 3,400 casino events each year is not within the scope of this review. Eligibility of charities and religious organizations and the use of casino proceeds are not within the scope of the review. In 2003, a review of Alberta’s policies on eligibility for charitable gaming licences and use of proceeds from charitable gaming activities was conducted by Yvonne Fritz, MLA for Calgary Cross. The comprehensive review included consultation with charities, industry stakeholders and the public. Objectives The Committee will: Conduct stakeholder consultations with eligible organizations throughout Alberta. Research and analyze the potential criteria that may be used to determine equitable access by eligible organizations to licensed casino events. Research and analyze potential criteria that may be used to determine equitable distribution of casino proceeds. Provide an analysis of options considered to improve the access and distribution of proceeds to eligible organizations. Research and analyze the number of volunteers required to conduct a casino event. Make recommendations to the Minister. Committee Membership/Support Committee MLAs will be appointed by the Minister by a Ministerial Order. The Committee will consist of one Edmonton, one Calgary, and one MLA outside of Edmonton or Calgary. Administrative, technical and report writing support for the Committee will be provided by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission. If required, legal support for the Committee will be provided by Alberta Justice. Reporting Requirements The Committee will report to the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. The Committee will make recommendations to the Minister by March 31, 2010. The Minister will consider the recommendations of the Committee and bring forward recommendations to Cabinet for consideration. News release September 10, 2009 Review explores solutions for pooling casino dollars, decreasing wait times for charities Edmonton... An MLA committee will examine aspects of the province’s charitable gaming model and make recommendations on how to improve wait times and the pooling of proceeds from licensed casino events to eligible charitable groups. The committee will also review the number of volunteers a group needs to provide to conduct and manage charitable casino events. This three-member panel was appointed by Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security, responsible for the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). The committee comes in response to concerns raised by some charities that proceeds and wait times between events vary throughout the province. Charities also expressed difficulty in recruiting and retaining enough volunteers to support their activities including casino events. “Alberta has a unique charitable gaming model that allows eligible organizations to benefit from casino events,” said Lindsay. “These charities earn revenue from casinos to support their many worthwhile causes and we want to help ensure the charitable casino model and gaming proceeds continue to serve the best interests of these groups.” In 2008-09, almost 3,500 licensed charities earned $252 million in proceeds from casino events. The MLA Committee consists of: Chairperson Rob Anderson, MLA – Airdrie-Chestermere and Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security; Dave Rodney, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed; and Doug Elniski, MLA for Edmonton-Calder. “We look forward to meeting with the various licensed organizations and hearing their insights and ideas,” said Anderson.. “From there, we’ll review the options and make recommendations.” Meetings will be held with charities throughout the province between October 5 – 15 and written submissions will be accepted until October 30. A final report with recommendations will be completed by March 31, 2010. - 30 Backgrounder: Alberta’s charitable casino model Media inquiries may be directed to: Christine Wronko, Communications Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Phone: 780-447-8719 christine.wronko@aglc.ca To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Rob Anderson Committee Chairperson Phone: 780-415-0975 ANALYSIS OF CONSULTATION FOR THE MLA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS FROM LICENSED CASINO EVENTS March 19, 2010 Table of Contents 1. Background ........................................................................................................................... 1 2. Methodology......................................................................................................................... 1 3. Findings from Individual Submissions .................................................................................. 1 3.1 Wait Times ................................................................................................................................. 2 3.2 Proceeds .................................................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Volunteers.................................................................................................................................. 3 4. Findings from Regional Sessions ......................................................................................... 11 4.1 Wait Times ............................................................................................................................... 11 4.2 Proceeds .................................................................................................................................. 12 4.3 Volunteers................................................................................................................................ 12 Appendix A: Consultation Questions ...................................................................................... 20 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events 1. Background In October and November 2009, the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events (MLA Committee) conducted stakeholder consultation sessions and sought individual feedback from eligible organizations on the current challenges faced in Alberta’s charitable casino model. The consultation questions addressed current principles on three topics (wait times, proceeds, and volunteers) and asked for opinions and alternatives. The MLA Committee engaged Charis Management Consulting Inc. (Charis) to assist in the compilation and analysis of the regional and individual organization feedback during January and February 2010. This report, therefore, is to inform the MLA Committee’s research and analysis of the challenges in order to make recommendations to the Minister. 2. Methodology Organization insights and ideas were obtained in two ways: 1. Fifteen regional consultation sessions held throughout the province where feedback was collected from stakeholders during table discussions; and 2. Individual organization submissions by mail, facsimile, or electronic mail. The consultation questions are presented in Appendix A. The Committee provided Charis with electronic copies of the individual submissions received by electronic mail from eligible organizations (submissions from non-eligible organizations were not included). These data were compiled by combining all individual submissions across each topic and sorting the feedback by consultation question. Finally, the Committee provided Charis with the individual submissions received by mail or facsimile already compiled in a table sorted by topic and consultation question. Individual feedback was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed in tables for each question. The Committee also provided Charis with documents for each regional session where the feedback was entered by topic and table number. These data were compiled by combining all regional sessions across each topic and sorting the feedback by consultation question. Organization feedback was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed in tables for each question. 3. Findings from Individual Submissions A total of 416 submissions were received across ten casino regions. Single submissions representing multiple organizations were analyzed as one response. Identical submissions received separately from multiple organizations were analyzed as multiple submissions. For closed ended questions (yes/no and same/different), only one submission was counted if two or more submissions were received from the same organization. For open ended questions, such as those about factors or suggested alternatives, each individual’s response was included in the thematic analysis. Of note is that some individuals proposed multiple alternatives. Charis Management Consulting Inc. 1 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Responses to the consultation questions and themes identified by two or more individual organizations across the regions are presented in detailed tables by topic on pages 4-10. In these tables, answers pertaining to the current policies (yes/no or same/decrease) are presented by number of responses; not all submissions provided an answer for each question. Proposed alternatives do not suggest the organization necessarily advocated for the solution; rather, many provided alternatives even if they supported the status quo. 3.1 Wait Times Individual organizations were asked if some boundaries should be moved to help equalize wait times across the province. Of the 362 submissions that addressed wait times, 45% responded ‘No’, while 34% responded ‘Yes’ (Table 1). Of those who said ‘Yes’, 61% were from Camrose (29), Calgary Rural (24) and Red Deer (21). Of those who said ‘No’, 77% were from Edmonton (39) and Calgary (87). Charities assigned to Fort McMurray (6) and Medicine Hat (7) tended to lean toward not moving boundaries. Twenty one percent of the 362 organizations did not directly answer the question. When asked if casinos within Edmonton and Calgary should be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities, 33% responded ‘Yes’, while 21% responded ‘No’. Of those who said ‘Yes’, 86% were from Edmonton (38) and Calgary (65). Of those who said ‘No’, 77% were from outside of Edmonton and Calgary with the most significantly opposed regions being Camrose (19), Calgary Rural (16), and St. Albert (10). Forty six percent of the 362 organizations did not directly answer the question. Key factors for consideration in moving boundaries included travel (time, distance, cost, and safety for volunteers), the effect on wait times, demographics (population and density), differences between “urban” and “rural” regions, number and recruitment of volunteers, and the population that is served by the charities. Generally, “urban” referred to Calgary or Edmonton. Travel was considered a priority factor for all but one region. Other than travel, equitable wait time was the focus for those outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Those within Edmonton and Calgary considered population density and the population base that the charity serves. The most frequently recurring alternatives for addressing wait times included: Changing the boundaries to include a metro concept, that is, greater Calgary area and/or greater Edmonton area; Pooling all or some proceeds; Reducing the number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria and better screening; Having flexible boundaries allowing for rotations and charity choice, e.g., access to Edmonton, Calgary, or Fort McMurray on a limited time basis; and Combining “urban” and “rural” boundaries or opening urban boundaries, e.g., Calgary and Calgary Rural, Edmonton and Camrose. Charis Management Consulting Inc. 2 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events 3.2 Proceeds Individual organizations were asked if proceeds from casino events should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came (current policy). Of the 397 submissions that addressed proceeds, 53% responded ‘Yes’, while 13% responded ‘No’ (Table 2). Of those who said ‘Yes’, 78% were from Edmonton (59) and Calgary (106). Calgary Rural (21), Fort McMurray (4), Grand Prairie (6), Lethbridge (2), and Medicine Hat (3) charities tended to agree with this statement. Of those who said ‘No’, 70% were from Camrose (14), St. Albert (11), and Red Deer (11). Thirty four percent of the 397 organizations did not answer this question directly. When asked if charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement should receive the same proceeds within the region (current policy), 54% responded ‘Yes’, while 7% responded ‘No’. There did not appear to be any significant regional trends. Thirty nine percent did not answer the question directly. The most frequently recurring alternatives for distributing proceeds included: Pooling proceeds province-wide (among the top three response for nine regions); Distributing proceeds based on an equal basis (among top three responses for six regions – Calgary Rural, Camrose, Grand Prairie, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, and St. Albert); Distributing proceeds based on charity characteristics such as size and needs (among top three response for three regions – Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray); Distributing proceeds based on the number of volunteers (based on volunteer hours) (9% of respondents – top three response for two regions – Red Deer and St. Albert); and Seeking supplemental funding sources for charities (among top three responses for one region – Calgary). 3.3 Volunteers Individual organizations were asked if the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event should be decreased or remain the same. Of the 352 submissions that addressed volunteers, 69% suggested the number remain the same, 6% suggested the number decrease and 2% suggested the number increase. There did not appear to be regional differences (Table 3). The most frequently recurring alternatives for changing volunteer numbers included: Allowing charities to run joint casinos; Casinos being more flexible about volunteer positions; Having the number of volunteers decided by the casino or advisors; Reducing the number of volunteers required; Allowing charities to share volunteers or compiling a list of additional volunteers; and Charities giving up their casino event if they had insufficient volunteers. Charis Management Consulting Inc. 3 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events This legend pertains to tables 1 through 3: n total number of individual submissions % percent response # number responding Rk rank Red bold: Most frequently mentioned alternatives overall and per region Table 1. Wait Times – Analysis of Individual Submissions TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Individual Submission Analysis Questions Overall (n=362) Calgary (n=126) Calgary Rural (n=41) Camrose (n=36) Edmonton (n=80) Fort McMurray (n=10) Grande Prairie (n=8) Lethbridge (n=6) Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=29) St Albert (n=17) # % # # # # # # # # # # 1a. Should some boundaries be moved to help equalize wait times across the province? Yes 122 34 9 24 29 22 2 4 2 1 21 8 No 164 45 87 7 1 39 6 3 2 7 6 6 1b. Should casinos within Edm and Cal be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities? Yes 120 33 65 4 38 2 2 1 7 1 No 75 21 9 16 8 1 2 2 7 10 1d. Can you suggest a better alternative? No 34 9 16 1 # Rk # # # # # # # # # # Travel: time, distance, safety, cost 63 1 15 12 9 9 1 2 1 1 10 3 Effect on wait times: equal, equitable, reduced 42 2 13 3 6 9 1 1 7 2 Demographics: population in an area, density of the population Differences between urban and rural: equity considerations, needs, costs 28 3 17 1 1 6 20 4 9 2 9 Number / recruitment of volunteers 16 5 9 2 3 Population served by the charities 15 6 7 Effect on proceeds / equalizing proceeds 14 7 Number of charities in area 14 7 Factors that should be considered Charis Management Consulting Inc. 4 19 10 4 4 2 7 1 2 1 3 4 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 4 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Individual Submission Analysis Overall (n=362) Calgary (n=126) Calgary Rural (n=41) Camrose (n=36) Edmonton (n=80) 11 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 1 Needs of the community 14 7 Needs / services / choice of & impact on charities 8 8 Number, availability, accessibility of casinos 7 9 5 Size of charities (including budget) 5 10 2 Patron residence – where $ come from 4 11 Fairness 4 11 1 1 Distribution of proceeds (per capita) 4 11 2 2 Casino benefit / profitability 2 12 # Rk # # # # Alternatives 1 Fort McMurray (n=10) Grande Prairie (n=8) Lethbridge (n=6) Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=29) St Albert (n=17) 1 2 3 1 2 2 # # # # # # Alternatives related to boundary change or no change Change boundaries: metro concept 26 1 1 8 9 7 Flexible boundaries: Keep existing but allow rotations, charity choice, e.g., re: access to Edm, Calg or Ft McMurray, perhaps on limited time basis 22 3 3 1 7 4 Combine urban/rural boundaries or open urban boundaries, e.g., Cal & Cal Rural, Edm & Cam 20 4 3 10 2 2 Consider boundaries based on proximity to patrons or charities; perhaps radius concept 9 5 2 1 1 Change boundaries: area concept, e.g., No/So 8 6 2 3 1 No boundaries or based on charity choice 8 6 Designate or add CalgR and/or EdmR casino 7 7 2 3 1 Move boundaries: specific suggestions, e.g., Rd Dr/Cam, Veg/FtMcM, Bonnyville/FtMcM/Cam 6 8 2 2 1 Combine all or some rural casinos 5 9 Boundaries based on casino/charity ratio 2 12 Charis Management Consulting Inc. 1 4 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 5 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Individual Submission Analysis Overall (n=362) Calgary (n=126) Calgary Rural (n=41) Camrose (n=36) Edmonton (n=80) 5 5 5 Fort McMurray (n=10) Grande Prairie (n=8) Lethbridge (n=6) Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=29) St Albert (n=17) 1 4 2 2 1 Alternatives relating to pooling and/or distribution Pool all or some proceeds: provincially, regionally or rural only (2) Charities should share casinos or resources 24 2 2 5 9 2 Redistribute provincial charities’ proceeds 4 10 1 Redistribute funding to rural charities 2 12 1 Reduce number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria, or screening /monitoring better 24 2 6 Allow greater flexibility re: spending timeframe 7 7 6 Allow 1 or 3 day casinos 3 11 2 Spending timeframe should match wait time 3 11 1 2 Require sufficient volunteers for charity to operate casino 2 12 1 1 Add casinos, incl with consideration for private interests (i.e., operate like native casinos) 9 5 8 Charities should seek alternative funding sources / other revenue sources are available 8 6 6 Tier system, e.g., based on charity characteristics 5 9 1 Gov’t allocation - % to charities 5 9 1 Open up native casinos 3 11 2 1 2 1 1 Alternatives related to changing rules/regulations 2 1 6 6 1 1 Other alternatives to address issue Charis Management Consulting Inc. 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 6 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Table 2. Proceeds – Analysis of Individual Submissions TOPIC: PROCEEDS Individual Submission Analysis Questions Overall (n=397) Calgary (n=146) Calgary Rural (n=42) Camrose (n=35) Edmonton (n=90) Fort McMurray (n=9) Grande Prairie (n=9) Lethbridge (n=5) Medicine Hat (n=8) Red Deer (n=28) St Albert (n=25) # % # # # # # # # # # # 2a. Should proceeds from casino events be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came? Yes 210 53 106 21 1 59 4 6 2 3 5 2 No 53 13 2 5 14 6 1 1 1 1 11 11 2b. Should charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement receive the same proceeds within the region? Yes 214 54 100 20 8 55 1 7 3 3 8 8 No 28 7 3 4 5 6 2 4 4 2c. Can you suggest a better alternative? No 64 16 36 1 1 18 2 2 # Rk # # # # Pool proceeds province-wide, regionally or in 2 regions 81 1 3 10 17 Distribute proceeds on an equal basis 38 2 1 10 Distribute proceeds based on charity characteristics (e.g., size, needs) 26 3 7 Distribute proceeds based on the # of volunteers or volunteer hours 26 3 3 Seek alternate funding sources for charities 15 4 12 3 Do not pool proceeds province-wide 13 5 2 9 Change the boundaries (none/combine boundaries/ combine metro areas) 13 5 2 2 Include native casinos in charity pool 13 5 9 2 Pool proceeds from the slots provincially 13 5 1 Increase % of government allocation to charities 10 6 1 Alternatives Charis Management Consulting Inc. 3 1 # # # # # # 7 5 2 2 4 16 15 11 2 1 3 2 6 2 2 4 8 2 2 5 5 4 1 2 8 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 6 1 3 2 5 1 7 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events TOPIC: PROCEEDS Individual Submission Analysis Overall (n=397) Calgary (n=146) Calgary Rural (n=42) 1 1 Camrose (n=35) Edmonton (n=90) Fort McMurray (n=9) Grande Prairie (n=9) Lethbridge (n=5) Medicine Hat (n=8) St Albert (n=25) 1 2 Increase rural access to casinos (in cities) 7 7 Pool rural proceeds 6 8 Distribute a % of proceeds to other charities (from urban to rural charities) 6 8 Rural casino costs taken out before distribution 6 8 Native casinos should follow the same rules 6 8 Pool proceeds from the tables regionally 6 8 Charities share casino events 4 9 4 Review eligibility for casinos (reduce # of charities) 2 10 1 Comments # # # # # Charities rely on casino proceeds 48 34 2 1 10 1 Difference between urban and rural regions 44 25 2 1 11 2 Charis Management Consulting Inc. 1 2 Red Deer (n=28) 1 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 3 6 4 1 1 1 # # # # # # 3 8 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Table 3. Volunteers – Analysis of Individual Submissions TOPIC: VOLUNTEERS Individual Submission Analysis Questions Overall (n=352) Calgary (n=131) Calgary Rural (n=40) Camrose (n=30) Edmonton (n=81) Fort McMurray (n=7) Grande Prairie (n=8) Lethbridge (n=4) Medicine Hat (n=7) Red Deer (n=25) St Albert (n=19) # # # # # 2 1 12 11 # % # # # # # Decrease 20 6 5 6 3 2 1 Same 243 69 100 27 17 62 1 Increase 8 2 1 No 46 13 21 1 2 11 # Rk # # # # Allow charities to run joint casinos 30 1 14 7 1 8 Be more flexible about volunteer positions 25 2 16 Decision re: # of volunteers should be set by the casino or the advisors 21 3 4 2 Reduce # volunteers 14 4 3 Allow charities to share volunteers / compile a list of additional volunteers 13 5 10 If insufficient volunteers, charities give up casino 12 6 3 Allow 1 day casinos 11 7 6 Review eligibility criteria for charities 9 8 4 Eliminate or decrease # of chip runners 8 9 1 4 Change how proceeds are distributed 8 9 3 1 Be more flexible about volunteer shifts (time) 6 10 Ensure charities have enough volunteers 6 10 3a. Should the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event be decreased/remain the same 3b. Can you suggest a better alternative? Alternatives Charis Management Consulting Inc. 2 6 1 6 5 2 3 # 6 1 6 1 3 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 3 # # # 4 4 # # 2 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 3 2 1 3 1 9 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events TOPIC: VOLUNTEERS Individual Submission Analysis Overall (n=352) Calgary (n=131) Combine some positions 5 11 Decrease # of cashiers 5 11 Do not allow paid staff / do not reduce volunteers if it means more paid staff 4 12 1 Allow charities to use paid staff 4 12 1 Allow charities to do a smaller casino 4 12 1 # volunteers set based on schedule (weekday/weekend) 3 13 Decrease # in count room 2 14 Eliminate membership requirement for volunteers 2 14 1 Give volunteers meaningful work 2 14 1 Allow paid charity staff to volunteer 2 14 2 Charis Management Consulting Inc. Calgary Rural (n=40) Camrose (n=30) 4 Edmonton (n=81) Fort McMurray (n=7) 1 1 Grande Prairie (n=8) Lethbridge (n=4) Medicine Hat (n=7) Red Deer (n=25) 1 2 St Albert (n=19) 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 10 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events 4. Findings from Regional Sessions Feedback was gathered from a total of 160 stakeholder tables during the 15 sessions held in nine locations throughout the province. The regional session data were analyzed both overall and by location of the session. In most cases, charities attended sessions in their casino region; however, charities were not required to do so. In the case of sessions held in Calgary, Calgary “rural” representatives attended sessions with Calgary “urban” representatives. Responses to the consultation questions and themes identified by two or more tables across the sessions are presented in detailed tables by topic on pages 13-19. In these tables, answers pertaining to the current policies (yes/no or same/decrease) are presented in both number and percent; not all stakeholder tables at the sessions provided an answer for each question. Feedback from regional sessions was collected in the form of records of discussion. Stakeholders were not asked to reach a consensus on the questions, just to record their discussion. Factors for consideration and alternatives or solutions are presented by number and rank. Proposed alternatives do not suggest the stakeholder tables necessarily advocated for the solution; rather, many provided alternatives even if they supported the status quo. 4.1 Wait Times Stakeholders were asked if some boundaries should be moved to help equalize wait times across the province. Of the 160 tables overall, 47% responded ‘No’, while 43% responded ‘Yes’ (Table 4). No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 10% of the tables. Differences were noted between locations of the sessions, as can be seen in Table 4, below. When asked if casinos within Edmonton and Calgary should be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities, approximately 47% responded ‘Yes’, while 24% responded ‘No’. No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 29% of the tables. Key factors for consideration in moving boundaries included travel (time, distance, cost, and safety for volunteers), the effect on wait times, demographics (population and density), differences between “urban” and “rural” costs and proceeds, and the distribution of proceeds. The most frequently recurring alternatives included: Combining “urban” and “rural” boundaries, e.g., Calgary and Calgary Rural, Edmonton and Camrose; Having flexible boundaries allowing for rotations and charity choice; Changing the boundaries to a greater area concept, e.g. north and south, moving Calgary boundaries north; Reducing the number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria and better screening; and Pooling all or some proceeds. Charis Management Consulting Inc. 11 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events 4.2 Proceeds Stakeholders were asked if proceeds from casino events should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came (current policy). Of the 160 tables overall, 64% responded ‘Yes’, while 28% responded ‘No’. No direct answer was stated or could be implied for 8% of the tables. Differences were noted between locations of the sessions, as can be seen in Table 5, below. When asked if charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement should receive the same proceeds within the region (current policy), 64% responded ‘Yes’, while 12% responded ‘No’. No direct answer was recorded or could be implied for 24% of the tables. The most frequently recurring alternatives for distributing proceeds included: Pooling proceeds province-wide; Increasing the percentage of government allocation of proceeds to charities; Changing the boundaries to equalize proceeds; Distributing proceeds based on charity characteristics; and Distributing proceeds based on volunteers numbers or hours. 4.3 Volunteers Stakeholders were asked if the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event should be decreased or remain the same. Of the 160 tables overall, 69% suggested the number remain the same, 14% suggested the number decrease, and 1% suggested the number increase. Differences between locations of the sessions can be seen below in Table 6. The most frequently recurring alternatives for changing volunteer numbers included: Casinos being more flexible about volunteer positions; Allowing charities to run joint casinos; Allowing charities to share volunteers or compiling a list of additional volunteers; Eliminating or decreasing the number of chip runners; and Charities giving up their casino event if they had insufficient volunteers. Charis Management Consulting Inc. 12 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events This legend pertains to Tables 4 through 6: n= total table number % percent response # number of tables Rk rank Table 4. Wait Times – Analysis of Regional Sessions TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Regional Sessions Analysis by Tables Questions Fort McMurray (n=4) Grande Prairie (n=6) Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Camrose (n=9) # % # % # % # % # % # % 6 100 Edmonton (n=43) 2a. Should some boundaries be moved to help equalize wait times across the province? Yes 68 43 13 24 7 78 15 33 1 25 No 75 47 36 67 2 22 21 49 3 75 2b. Should casinos within Edm and Cal be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities? Yes 75 47 34 63 26 60 3 75 2 33 No 39 24 10 19 8 89 3 7 1 25 3 50 2d. Can you suggest a better alternative? No 20 13 8 15 1 11 5 12 2 50 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Travel: time, distance, safety, cost 43 1 13 1 2 1 8 1 2 1 Effect on wait times: equal, equitable, reduced 18 2 5 1 2 2 Demographics: population in an area, density of the population Urban and rural differences between urban and rural costs and proceeds 14 3 7 2 3 3 12 4 7 2 5 2 Distribution of proceeds (per capita) 8 5 6 3 2 Number of charities in an area 7 6 1 3 3 Size of the charities 5 7 2 3 3 Cost to charity to operate casino 4 8 2 Equalizing proceeds for charities 3 9 Factors that should be considered Charis Management Consulting Inc. 1 2 1 Lethbridge (n=5) # 3 % 60 Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=16) St Albert (n=14) # % # % # % 3 33 12 75 11 79 5 56 4 25 1 7 5 56 2 13 3 21 6 38 5 36 2 40 1 11 1 20 3 33 Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk 1 2 2 1 6 1 5 1 4 1 3 1 2 2 1 2 4 1 1 2 1 3 2 3 1 3 1 3 3 2 1 2 13 TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Regional Sessions Analysis by Tables Overall (n=160) Needs of the community 3 9 3 3 Population served by the charities 3 9 3 3 Number of volunteers needed to operate casino 3 9 1 Availability of casinos in an area 2 10 2 Location of the charities 2 10 1 Needs of the charities 2 10 Trading area (commerce) 2 10 # Rk # Rk 26 2 11 1 20 4 7 2 Flexible boundaries – allow rotations, wild card, charity choice, general flexibility 19 5 No boundaries or based on charity choice 14 6 3 Designate or add CalgR +/or EdmR casino 14 6 3 Change boundaries: metro concept 8 10 4 Move boundaries: general or specific suggestions, e.g., SL to FtM, Bassano, SL to Cam or general 8 10 Boundaries based on casino/charity ratio 8 10 Combine all or some rural casinos 5 11 Move boundaries for provincial charities, e.g., to Fort McMurray, to other areas in provinces 3 13 2 23 3 4 2 14 6 3 1 Alternatives Calgary (n=54) Camrose (n=9) Edmonton (n=43) Fort McMurray (n=4) Grande Prairie (n=6) Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Medicine Lethbridge Red Deer St Albert Hat (n=5) (n=16) (n=14) (n=9) 1 3 1 2 1 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk 1 3 1 2 2 3 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk 2 1 2 3 5 2 3 2 4 1 2 3 Alternatives related to boundary change or no change Combine boundaries – urban and rural, open urban boundaries Change the boundaries: area concept, e.g., No/So, central, Calg north, MH north, MH/Leth 3 3 2 3 4 1 5 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 7 3 2 4 3 3 2 6 1 3 2 2 1 4 2 2 3 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 2 6 1 3 1 3 1 Alternatives related to pooling and distribution Pool all or some proceeds – province-wide (x17), rural only, urban pool & rural pool, regionally Charities should share and/or pool resources Charis Management Consulting Inc. 3 3 5 2 3 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 14 Grande Prairie (n=6) Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Medicine Lethbridge Red Deer St Albert Hat (n=5) (n=16) (n=14) (n=9) TOPIC: WAIT TIMES Regional Sessions Analysis by Tables Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Distribute based on per capita 5 11 1 Redistribute funding to rural 4 12 2 1 Distribute/redistribute provincial charities’ proceeds 4 12 3 1 Reduce number of charities by applying stricter eligibility criteria and screening better 29 1 6 3 Allow 1 or 2 day casinos 12 7 6 3 Enforce or adjust spending timeframe 5 11 1 Relax boundary restrictions by allowing access to nearest casino 5 11 Rules related to provincial charities 4 12 Ensure equal playing field, e.g., smoking 4 12 Establish formula – prioritization, rural waiting time 4 12 Apply rules related to volunteers, e.g., ensure sufficient manpower 3 13 3 Monitor better, e.g., where money is sent 3 13 1 Open up native and/or private casinos 12 7 6 Add more casinos 11 8 6 Gov’t allocation - % to charities / alternate funding 10 9 4 Tier system 3 13 Camrose (n=9) Edmonton (n=43) Fort McMurray (n=4) 3 1 1 Alternatives related to changing rules/regulations 11 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 5 2 3 1 2 3 2 1 1 3 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 3 2 2 Other alternatives to address issue 3 4 1 2 5 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 1 3 1 2 Note: Number of tables for solutions was presented under four distinct response categories, but ranked across all response categories Charis Management Consulting Inc. 15 3 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Table 5. Proceeds – Analysis of Regional Sessions TOPIC: PROCEEDS Regional Sessions Analysis by Tables Questions Fort McMurray (n=4) Grande Prairie (n=6) Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=16) St Albert (n=14) % # % # % # % 2 40 5 56 3 19 4 29 17 2 40 3 33 10 63 9 64 50 3 60 4 44 7 44 4 29 2 13 5 36 Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Camrose (n=9) # % # % # % # % # % # % # 4 100 2 33 1 3 Edmonton (n=43) Lethbridge (n=5) 2a. Should proceeds from casino events be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came? Yes 103 64 45 83 1 11 37 86 No 45 28 7 13 8 89 5 12 2b. Should charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement receive the same proceeds within the region? Yes 103 64 37 69 4 44 37 86 No 19 12 3 56 3 33 6 11 2c. Can you suggest a better alternative? No 39 24 14 26 13 24 3 75 2 33 1 20 2 22 2 13 2 14 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk Pool proceeds province-wide 39 1 11 1 4 1 3 3 1 1 1 4 1 7 1 6 1 Increase % of govt allocation to charities from slots to rural charities 24 2 7 2 12 1 1 1 3 2 Change the boundaries to equalize proceeds (e.g., no boundaries, combine boundaries, metro areas) 18 3 6 3 6 3 Distribute proceeds based on charity characteristics 15 4 4 Distribute proceeds based on the # of volunteers, volunteer hours, major/minor casino 14 5 4 Review the eligibility for casinos (reduce number of charities) 13 6 2 Distribute a % of urban proceeds to other charities (smaller/rural charities) 11 7 4 Pool proceeds from the slots provincially 11 7 3 2 2 Pool the rural proceeds 10 8 2 3 3 Distribute proceeds on an equal basis 9 9 Alternatives Charis Management Consulting Inc. 3 4 1 1 8 1 1 4 100 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 2 4 2 1 1 3 4 2 3 3 1 1 4 3 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 3 3 1 2 1 4 2 4 2 2 3 16 3 TOPIC: PROCEEDS Regional Sessions Analysis by Tables Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Minimize restrictions on proceed spending to reflect wait times 9 9 3 2 Include native casinos in charity pool 7 10 5 1 Change when proceeds are distributed (annually or semi-annually) 6 11 1 Distribute proceeds per capita 6 11 3 Pool proceeds from the tables regionally 5 12 Allow 1 or 2 day casinos 4 13 3 Supplement rural charities through other sources 4 13 1 Increase rural access to casinos in cities 3 14 1 Charities share casino events 2 15 1 Distribute proceeds based on event wait times 2 15 Native casinos should follow the same rules 2 15 Rural casino costs taken out before distribution 2 15 Comments Camrose (n=9) 1 Edmonton (n=43) Fort McMurray (n=4) Grande Prairie (n=6) 2 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Medicine Lethbridge Red Deer St Albert Hat (n=5) (n=16) (n=14) (n=9) 2 2 1 3 1 3 2 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 # 2 2 1 3 # # # 3 1 # # # # Difference between urban and rural costs and proceeds 16 5 4 6 1 Charities rely on casino proceeds 7 4 2 1 Charis Management Consulting Inc. 3 # # 17 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Table 6. Volunteers – Analysis of Regional Sessions TOPIC: VOLUNTEERS Regional Analysis by Tables Fort McMurray (n=4) Grande Prairie (n=6) Medicine Hat (n=9) Red Deer (n=16) St Albert (n=14) % # % # % # % 3 60 3 33 4 25 1 71 1 20 5 56 11 69 11 79 2 13 Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Camrose (n=9) # % # % # % # % # % # % # Decrease 23 14 5 9 2 22 3 7 1 25 1 17 Same 111 69 37 69 5 56 33 77 3 75 5 83 Increase 2 1 No 23 14 9 17 2 22 6 14 1 25 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk Be more flexible about volunteer positions 29 1 11 2 1 2 6 1 1 1 Allow charities to run joint casinos 21 2 12 1 2 1 1 Allow charities to share volunteers compile a list of additional volunteers 16 3 11 2 2 Eliminate or decrease # of chip runners 11 4 4 If insufficient volunteers, charities give up casino 11 4 Decrease # in count room 10 Do not allow paid staff/ do not reduce volunteers if it means more paid staff Questions 3a. Should the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event be decreased/remain the same 3b. Can you suggest a better alternative? Solutions 1 # 1 Rk 2 Lethbridge (n=5) 1 20 1 11 1 6 2 14 # Rk # Rk # Rk # Rk 1 1 2 2 4 2 3 1 5 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 2 4 2 2 2 3 5 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 10 5 4 3 1 2 2 # volunteers set by the casino / the advisors 10 5 2 # volunteers set based on schedule (weekday/weekend) 10 5 6 3 Eliminate membership requirement for volunteers 9 6 6 3 Allow 1 day casinos 5 8 2 Allow charities to use paid staff 5 8 1 1 3 Be more flexible about volunteer shifts (time) 5 8 2 Have the GM fill another volunteer position 4 9 2 Charis Management Consulting Inc. 2 Edmonton (n=43) 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 18 TOPIC: VOLUNTEERS Regional Analysis by Tables Overall (n=160) Calgary (n=54) Camrose (n=9) Edmonton (n=43) Change how proceeds are distributed 3 10 1 2 2 Combine some positions 3 10 2 1 1 Decrease # of cashiers 3 10 2 Ensure charities have enough volunteers 3 10 1 Give volunteers meaningful work 3 10 Allow charities to do a smaller casino 2 11 Allow paid charity staff to volunteer 2 11 Approve volunteers onsite 2 11 Have the advisor fill another volunteer position 2 11 Reduce # of supervisors 2 11 2 Review eligibility criteria for charities 2 11 1 Frank Sissons should be a minor casino 2 11 2 Use more electronic funds handling to reduce vol # 2 11 1 Use more computers to reduce volunteer # 2 11 Comments Grande Prairie (n=6) 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 3 1 1 2 1 # # Volunteer component of casinos is important 14 8 4 Volunteer #s show support for a charity 8 2 4 Minimize restrictions on proceed spending 3 1 There are barriers to obtaining volunteers 3 2 Volunteer # is a non-issue 3 Volunteer #s should match proceeds distribution 2 #1 priority is that proceeds remain the same 2 Charis Management Consulting Inc. Fort McMurray (n=4) Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Medicine Lethbridge Red Deer St Albert Hat (n=5) (n=16) (n=14) (n=9) # # 1 1 1 1 1 # 1 # 2 # 1 # # # 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 19 3 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Appendix A: Consultation Questions Charis Management Consulting Inc. 20 Consultation for the MLA Advisory Committee on Distribution of Proceeds from Licensed Casino Events Question #1 – Wait time The wait time per region is a function of the number of eligible charitable organizations in the casino region applying for a casino event license and the number of events per year in the region. The number of eligible organizations in a region can be adjusted by moving some regional boundaries periodically. Since there are no new casinos anticipated to open, the number of events per year is not likely to increase. a. Should some boundaries be moved to help equalize wait times across the province? Please explain. b. Should casinos within Edmonton and Calgary be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities? Please explain. c. What are some factors that should be considered in the moving of boundaries? d. Can you suggest a better alternative? e. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Question #2 – Proceeds per event Proceeds from traditional casino events are pooled within a city or region for a three month period to ensure that: proceeds are distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came, charities holding casino events receive the same proceeds regardless of the day of week they hold their event in that quarter, and charities, having the same volunteer requirements, receive similar proceeds. a. Should proceeds from casino events be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came? Please explain. b. Should charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement receive the same proceeds within the region? Please explain. c. Can you suggest a better alternative? d. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Question #3 – Volunteers Charities are required to provide 25 volunteers for major casinos and 15 volunteers for minor casinos, in order to conduct and manage the casino event. a. Should the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event be decreased/remain the same? Please explain. b. Can you suggest a better alternative? c. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Charis Management Consulting Inc. 21 Backgrounder September 10, 2009 Alberta’s charitable casino model Alberta’s unique charitable gaming model benefits eligible organizations by providing them with an opportunity to fundraise through casino events. There are 6,972 charitable organizations eligible to conduct and manage a casino event. o Each of the 19 traditional charitable casinos facilities can accommodate 182 two-day events per year resulting in almost 3,500 casino events annually. o The province is divided into eight casino regions and eligible organizations are assigned to facilities within their area. o Based on current boundaries, the waitlist for a casino event ranges from 16 to 33 months throughout the province. o Charities are required to provide between 15 and 25 volunteers per event depending on the size of casino. o Between April and June of this year, charitable proceeds per event, ranged from $18,246 in Medicine Hat to $76,109 in Calgary. The current pooling structure helps ensure eligible charities within a community or region receive a similar level of proceeds from holding a casino event. Charitable casino proceeds are pooled and paid on a quarterly basis. Proceeds from casino events include table game revenue and 15 per cent of slot machine revenue. The MLA Committee has tentatively scheduled meetings throughout the province to gather insights and ideas from eligible groups: Grande Prairie Fort McMurray St. Albert Edmonton Camrose Red Deer Lethbridge Medicine Hat Calgary (rural charities) Calgary (urban charities) October 5 (1 – 4 pm) October 5 (7 - 9:30 pm) October 6 (1 – 4 pm) October 6 (7 – 9:30 pm) October 7 (1– 4 pm) October 8 (1 – 4 pm) October 9 (1 – 4 pm) October (7 – 9:30 pm) October 13 (1 – pm) October 13 (7 – 9:30 pm) October 14 (1 – 4 pm) October 14 (7 – 9:30 pm) October 15 (1 – 4:30 pm) - 30 Media inquiries may be directed to: Christine Wronko, Communications Rob Anderson Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Committee Chairperson Phone: 780-447-8719 christine.wronko@aglc.ca Phone: 780-415-0975 To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Consultation Questions September 10, 2009 Questions – Distribution of Casino Proceeds to Licensed Charities Introduction There are about 7,000 charitable organizations in Alberta eligible to conduct and manage a casino event. Each of the 19 traditional charitable casinos can accommodate 182 2-day events per year resulting in almost 3,500 casino events annually. Based on geographic constraints and current boundaries, the waitlists range from 16 to 33 months. In 2008-09, licensed charities received $252 million in proceeds from casino events, more than double the $122 million received in 2002-03. Licensed charities receive proceeds from table games as well as a commission from slot machines. In 200809, licensed charities received about $77.9 million (31%) from table games and $174.5 million (69%) from slot machines. Casino proceeds to licensed charities support worthwhile community projects and services that are delivered by the Alberta voluntary sector. Access and Distribution Principles Over time, the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) has developed the following set of principles to help ensure equitable access to and distribution of proceeds to eligible organizations: 1. Revenue Pooling This principle says that charities holding casino events at a traditional casino within a city or region should receive the same proceeds from the events. To achieve this, regions with more than one casino combine proceeds from all traditional casinos in the region into one pool and distribute the pool equally to the charities that had a casino event. This is the case in Edmonton (five casinos), Calgary (five casinos), Red Deer (two casinos), Camrose/St. Albert (two casinos). This principle ensures that, within a city or region, a charity volunteering at a lower-performing casino receives the same proceeds as a charity with an event in a higherperforming facility. 2. Quarterly Pooling This principle says that charities within a pooling region should receive a similar amount of proceeds regardless of the day of the week they hold their event. Proceeds are typically higher on weekends than weekdays. Combining all proceeds from the casino in a quarter into one pool and distributing the pool equally ensures all charities receive an equal amount of proceeds. Cont… 2 3. Edmonton and Calgary Access This principle says that only charities located within Edmonton and Calgary or those providing province-wide services are permitted to receive a licence for a casino event in Edmonton and Calgary casinos. In addition to ensuring that casino proceeds are distributed back to the communities from which they came, many charities in the larger urban centers of Edmonton and Calgary support a larger clientbase. This includes the provincial charities which provide services throughout Alberta. 4. Nearest Casino Access This principle says that casino proceeds should be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came. Typically, charities are licensed to conduct two day events at casinos in the community or region where they conduct their program delivery. Casino regions are defined so that licensed charities generally hold their event at the nearest casino. 5. Volunteer Requirements This principle says that pooling should only occur among similar size traditional casinos since minor and major casinos have different volunteer requirements. This is the case in Edmonton and Calgary (major casinos) and Red Deer and Camrose/St. Albert (minor casinos). Events in major casinos require more effort (minimum requirement is 25 volunteers) on part of the charity than events in minor casinos (minimum requirement is 15 volunteers). Current Challenges Wait times - The number of charities within each region has significantly increased over time with some regions increasing faster than others. Since charitable organizations are not evenly distributed across the province, some regions have a higher number of organizations assigned to a casino than other regions resulting in longer waiting periods. The provincial average is currently 26 months, with a high of 33 months in Grande Prairie and Lethbridge to a low of 16 months in Fort McMurray and Medicine Hat. Proceeds per event - The level of gambling varies across the province, so charities holding their events outside Edmonton and Calgary generally earn lower proceeds per event compared to charities that hold events in the urban centers. For example, in the quarter ending June 30, 2009, casino proceeds ranged from a high of $76,109 in Calgary to a low of $18,325 in Camrose and St. Albert. Volunteers - Charities are required to provide volunteers to conduct and manage the casino event. More volunteers are required for a casino event in a major casino compared to an event in a minor casino. Some charities and casino operators believe the number of volunteers required should be reviewed. Consultation questions Having read the background information and considering your organization’s circumstances, comment on the following questions about each of the issues described above, remembering that the underlying principles are intended to help ensure there is equitable access to and distribution of proceeds to eligible organizations: 3 Question #1 – Wait time The wait time per region is a function of the number of eligible charitable organizations in the casino region applying for a casino event licence and the number of events per year in the region. The number of eligible organizations in a region can be adjusted by moving some regional boundaries periodically. Since there are no new casinos anticipated to open, the number of events per year is not likely to increase. a. Should some boundaries be moved to help equalize wait times across the province? Please explain. b. Should casinos within Edmonton and Calgary be accessible only to charities within these regions as well as provincial charities? Please explain. c. What are some factors that should be considered in the moving of boundaries? d. Can you suggest a better alternative? e. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Question #2 – Proceeds per event Proceeds from traditional casino events are pooled within a city or region for a three month period to ensure that: proceeds are distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came, charities holding casino events receive the same proceeds regardless of the day of week they hold their event in that quarter, and charities, having the same volunteer requirements, receive similar proceeds. a. Should proceeds from casino events be distributed back to the communities or regions from which they came? Please explain. b. Should charities holding casino events within a quarter and having the same volunteer requirement receive the same proceeds within the region? Please explain. c. Can you suggest a better alternative? d. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Question #3 – Volunteers Charities are required to provide 25 volunteers for major casinos and 15 volunteers for minor casinos, in order to conduct and manage the casino event. a. Should the number of volunteers required to conduct and manage a casino event be decreased/remain the same? Please explain. b. Can you suggest a better alternative? c. What would your alternative look like and why is it better? Thank you for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. We appreciate your input. MLA Committee to Review Distribution of Casino Proceeds to Licensed Charities Participating Eligible Organizations 124th Street Drop-in Association of Edmonton 354301 Alberta Society - Innisfail Dolphins 418 City of Edmonton Squadron Association 781 Air Cadet Squadron Parent Sponsorship Committee A.V.Rue Canada Aviation Museum AB Council of Women's Shelters ABC Head Start Acadia Community Association Acadia Valley Community Club Acme Golf Club Acme Royal Purple Lodge #103 Acme Seniors Association ACT/UCT Medicine Hat Council 1020 AIDS Calgary Awareness Association Airborne Tumbling and Trampoline Club Airdrie & District Agricultural Society Airdrie & District Gymnastics Club Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association Al Amira Temple No. 157 - Patrol Unit - Daughters Of The Nile Al Shamal Shrine Clowns Assn. Al Shamal Shriners Alano Club Alberta 2005 Centennial Railway Museum Society Alberta Alpine Ski Association Alberta Amputee Sports & Recreation Association Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society Alberta Army Cadet League - Southern Zone Branch Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Alberta Band Association Alberta Band Association Alberta Baton Twirling Assoc. - Central Region Alberta Benevolent Cantor Association Alberta Caregivers Association Alberta Cattlemen Penning & Sorting Assoc. Alberta Chess Association Alberta Chinese Recreation Association Alberta Chung Wah School Society Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities Alberta Craft Council Alberta Dance Alliance Alberta District #2 Little League Alberta Diving Association Alberta Edge School of Skating Center Alberta Equestrian Federation Alberta Floor Curling Association Alberta Foundation for Ukrainian Education Alberta Genealogical Society Alberta Golf Association Alberta Handball Association Alberta Horseshoe Pitchers Association Alberta Lacrosse Association Alberta Net Ball Association Alberta Northern Lights Wheelchair Basketball Society Alberta Pomtich Charitable Society Alberta Regional Lily Society Alberta Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Federation Alberta Royal Purple Lodges Association Alberta Safety Council Alberta Science Literacy Association Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Alberta Slalom Canoe Kayak Alberta SPCA Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind Alberta Summer Music Workshop Association Alberta Trail Riding Association Alberta Ukrainian Commemorative Society Alberta Ukrainian Heritage Foundation of Edmonton Alberta Wilderness Association Alberta Zirka Ukrainian Performers Association Alexandra Centre Society Alexandra Chapter No. 4, Order of Eastern Star Allied Arts Council of Pincher Creek Altadore Gymnastic Club Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories Amber Valley Community Association Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of Alberta (ALS) Andrew Lions Club Andrew Sibbald Parent Association Anne Fitzgerald School Advisory Society Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada Strathcona Unit #99 Participating Eligible Organizations Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert Associated Canadian Travellers - Men's Club Associated Canadian Travellers Calgary Club Association Des Parents Pour L'education Francaise De Centrala Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured Athabasca District Agricultural Society Athabasca Health Care Auxiliary Association Autism Calgary Association Auxiliary to the Lacombe Hospital & Care Centre Banff Alpine Racers Banting and Best Association Barons & District Historical Society Barons Senior Citizens Society Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society Bashaw And District Regional Health And Wellness Foundation Battle River Shrine Club Assoc Baturyn Community League Bazm-E-Sukhan Literary & Cultural Society Beaumont & District Agricultural Society Beaumont Columbus Alberta Association Beiseker Lions Club Benevolent & Protective Order of Elk Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks No. 361 Bentley Elks Lodge #318 Bernadette Recreation Cultural Society Between Friends Club Beverly Auxiliary Beverly Towne Community Development Society Beymoor Curling Club Society Big Brothers & Sisters of Red Deer Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail Big Brothers and Sisters of Calgary Big Brothers Big Sisters Assoc. Medicine Hat Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge District Big Country Shrine club - AlAzhar Shriners Big Country Victim Services Association Big Valley Historical Society Bishop Dudka Charitable Society Blackie Lions Club Board of Bowmont Seniors Assistance Association (BSAA) Bonnie Doon Playschool Association Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre Bonnyville Senior Citizens' Society Bosco Homes a Society for Children and Families Botha Community Centre Botha Seniors Activities Club Bow River Musical Instrument Research Club Bow Valley Agricultural Society Bow Valley Branch Navy League of Canada Bow Valley Lawn Bowling Club Bow Valley Wolverine Football Association Bow Waters Canoe Club Boyle McCauley Health Centre Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District Boys and Girls Club of Wetaskiwin BPO Elks Sundre #338 BPOE Elks #285 BPOE, Drumheller Lodge #54 Braeside Community Association Bragg Creek Snowbirds Srs. Fellowship Branch Windy West #4 Lethbridge Breasts Friends Society of Edmonton Brentwood School Society Breton Agricultural Society Breton Royal Purple #285 Briar Hill School Foundation Brighter Futures Society Brooks & District Seniors Outreach Society Brooks Figure Skating Club Brooks Food Bank Foundation Brooks Food Bank Foundation Brooks Masonic Foundation Burdett Agricultural Society Burdett Centenial Hall Busby & District Lions Club Byemoor Community Club Byemoor Curling Club Society C.J. Kinross, V.C. Branch #180 Royal Canadian Legion Calder Seniors Drop-In Society Calgary & District Badminton Association Calgary Amateur Radio Assn. Calgary Area Council of Beta Sigma Phi Participating Eligible Organizations Calgary Association of Self Help Calgary Boys Choir Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organization Calgary Chapter - Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada Calgary Children's Choir Calgary Chinese Community Se… Association Calgary Chinese Herbal Medicine Association Calgary Chinese Music Development Association Calgary Community Block Watch Council Calgary Counseling Centre Calgary Crescendo Choir Society Calgary Downtown Friendship Centre Calgary Elks Lodge #4 Calgary Ethiopian Community Association Calgary Family Services Calgary Finlundia Cultural Association Calgary Food Bank Calgary Fringe Festival Calgary Hard of Hearing Association - Calgary Calgary Harmony of Arts Calgary Heritage Lions Club Calgary Hon Hsing Musical Society and Wah Kue Musical Society Calgary Horseshoe Club Calgary Hung Mon Athletic Club Calgary Italian Club Calgary Japanese Community Association Calgary Joy of Life Centre for Spiritual Living Calgary Korean Seniors Association Calgary Learners Calgary Legal Guidance Calgary Lithuanian Cultural Society Calgary Marching Showband Association Calgary Meals on Wheels Calgary Minor Softball Association Calgary Mountainview Lions Club Calgary Naval Veterans Association Calgary North Hill Lions Club Calgary OutLink: Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity Calgary Patriots Swim Club Calgary Real Estate Board Charitable Foundation Calgary Regional 4-H Council Calgary Renegades Calgary Rocky Mountain Baseball Assoc. Calgary Rocky Mountain Rollers Wheelchair Basketball Society Calgary Round Up Band Calgary Safety Council Calgary Science Centre and Creative Kids Museum Society Calgary Science Network Calgary Search and Rescue Association Calgary Society of Independent Filmmakers Calgary Spartans Calgary Sports Council Calgary Tritons Summer Swim Club Calgary Tsung Tsin Benevolent Association Calgary Vietnamese Canadian Senior Assoc. Calgary Wildrose Lions Club Calgary Workers' Resource Centre Calgary Youth Science Fair Society CALTAF Camp Health, Hope and Happiness Camp McCoy Association Camrose & District Pre-School Camrose & District Senior Centre Society Camrose & District Victim Services Camrose Academy of Dance Society Canadian Athletic Club Canadian Celiac Association Calgary Chapter Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Calgary and Southern Alberta Chapter Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Edmonton Branch Canadian Mental Health Association Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region Canadian Music Centre Canadian Parent for French, Alberta Branch Canadian Pony Club Cochrane Branch Canadian Progress Club - Edmonton Downtown Canadian Progress Club Edmonton South Canadian Rocky Mountain Clogging Association Canadian Ski Patrol System, Mountain Division Canadian Sport Centre Calgary Cando Musical Society Participating Eligible Organizations Calgary Recreation & Culture Association for Seniors (Calgary 55 Plus) Canora Community League Canyon Meadows Community Association Capital City Gymnastics Club Captain John Palliser Parent Association Carbon School Parent Assoc. Care Housing Society Carseland Agricultural Society Carseland Curling Club Carseland P.B. Club Carstairs & District Lions Club Catherine Nichols Gunn Parent Advisory Council Cdn. Cystic Fibrosis Fdn - Calgary & S. Alta. Chapter Centra Cam Vocational Training Association Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter Society Central Bow Valley School Centre for Family Literacy Cheadle Community Association Cheadle Lions Club Chestemere School Parents Athletic Association Chestermere Public Library Foundation Chestermere Whitecappers Association Child and Youth Friendly Calgary Chinook Rhythmique Gymnastic Club Chrysalis: An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities Citadel Theatre Citizen Advocacy Society Claresholm & District Transportation Society Claresholm Lions Club Clearwater Valley Pony Club Clients Ongoing Rehabilitation and Equality Association Cliff-Bungalow - Mission Community Association Clouds and Waters Gallery and Visual Production Society Club Beaumont Clubhouse Society of Edmonton and Area Clyde & District Senior Drop In Center CNIB Cochrane & District Agricultural Society Cochrane BMX Association Cochrane Lions Club Cochrane Minor Basketball Cochrane Skating Club Canmore Nordic Ski Club Cold Lake Agricultural Society Community Information Referral Society Community Mediatin Calgary Society Community of Caraway Parents Society Confederation Park Little League Consort & District Seniors Association Coronation Community Centre Society Cosmopolitan Music Society Country Pride Dance Club Coyotes Rugby Athletic Association Crawford Plains PATT Crestwood Community League Croatian Catholic Centre - Edmonton Crowchild Hockey Association Czech and Slovak Association of CanadaEdmonton Branch Dalroy UFA Association Dalum Community Hall Association Dalum Fire Protection Association Dare Works Foothills Society Dat Coon Club, Chinese Freemasons of Calgary Daysland & District Aging in Place Foundation Daysland General Hospital Foundation Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society DeBolt & District Agricultural Society Deer Ridge Community Association Deer Run Community Center Deer Run Elementary Parent's Assoc. Delburne Community Hall Delburne Curling Club Delia Community Centre Association Delia District Agricultural Society Der Benevolent Association Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre Devon Lions Club Dickinsfield Amity House Didsbury and District Historical Society Didsbury District Health Services Auxiliary Die Kleine Kinderschule Board of Directors Die Singgemeinschaft Dinsbury Masonic Star Association Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society Participating Eligible Organizations Distress Centre Calgary Dive Calgary Donalda & District Agricultural Society Donalda & District Museum Society DouglasdaleGlen Community Association Dovercourt Community League Executive Downtown Friendship Dr. Gordon Higgins' School Parents Association Dreamspeakers Festival Society Drumheller and Region Transition Society Drumheller Society for Recovery Drumheller Stampede & Agricultural Society Duchess Home & School Association Dunstable School Council Society Eagle Hill Memorial Community Centre East Park Little League Eastglen Parent Association Ecole Banff Trail Parent Fundraising Association Ecole Marie Poburan Parent Society Ecole Palmondon Parent Advisory Committee Ecole Rudolph Hennig Parent Advisory Council ECOPE Edgemont Community Association Edgerton Arena Board Edgerton Community Golf Course Edmonton Area 1 Council Society Edmonton Catholic School District Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations Edmonton Children's Choir Edmonton Chinese Lions Club Edmonton Cystic Fibrosis Society Edmonton Down Syndrome Society Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Club Edmonton Ex Service Women's Br 215 RCL Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues Edmonton Fencing Club Edmonton Festival Ballet Society Edmonton Festival Ballet Society Edmonton Fish and Game Association Edmonton Girls Hockey Association Edmonton Heritage Festival Association Edmonton Horticultural Society Edmonton Humahumanakanakapaua Swim Club Edmonton Indoor Lawn Bowling Club Edmonton Keyano Swim Club Edmonton Korean Canadian Association Edmonton Korean Lions Club Edmonton Korean-Canadian Senior Golf Club Edmonton Minor Hockey Edmonton Minor Soccer Association Edmonton Narriers Track & Field Club Edmonton Neighbourhood Watch Program Society Edmonton New Shadow Theatre Society Edmonton Safe Parent Association Edmonton School of Ballet Edmonton Shrine Motor Corps Edmonton Soaring Club Edmonton Soccer Association Edmonton Social Planning Council Edmonton Society - Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada Edmonton Speed Skating Association Edmonton Talmud Torah Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association Edmonton Youth Choir Edwin Parr School Council Fundraising Society Elbow Park Residents Association Elboya School Fundraising Society Elk Point Lions Elkwater Fire Fighters Association Ermineskin Tourism & Cultural Society Ernest Morrow Junior High Parents Association Erskine Social Recreation Society Events Edmonton Excel Society Fairview Agricultural Society Fairview Community Association Fairview Fine Arts Society Fairview Rebekah Lodge #115 Fairview Rotary Club Fairview School Parent Advisory Committee Family Leisure Centre of SE Calgary Association Family Leisure Centre Seniors Club Federation of Calgary Communities Fernleaf Rebekah Lodge Ferret Rescue & Education Society Festival City Winds Music Society Fete Franco-Albertaine Fiji Sanatan Society of Alberta Participating Eligible Organizations Filipino Calgarian Seniors Club Filipino-Canadian Saranay Association of Alberta Finnish society of Edmonton Fish Creek Little League Flagstaff's Initiative to Relationship & Spousal Trauma (FIRST) FLC Seniors Club Foothills Country Hospice Society Foothills Swimming Association Fort Calgary Lion Fort Edmonton Foundation Fort McMurray Association of Community Living OR Royal Canadian Legion Fort McMurray Family Crisis Society Fort McMurray Mixed Martial Arts Fort McMurray Preschool Fort Saskatchewan Figure Skating Club Fort Saskatchewan Kinette Club Fort Saskatchewan Minor Sport Association Ringette Committee Fort Saskatchewan Pottery Guild Fort Saskatchewan Ringette four Seas Senior Recreation Association of Calgary Frank Wills Memorial Hall Society Fraternal Order of Eagles Friends of Bishop McNalley High School Society Friends of Camilla School Committee Friends of Drumheller Composite High School Society Friends of Medalta Society Friends of Parkland Way Society Friends of Rainbow Falls School Society Friends of Ralph McCall Society Friends of Seba Beach Society Friends of St. Albert Children's Theatre Friends of the Alix MAC Fundraising Society Friends of the Calgary Jewish Academy Friends of the Mayerthorpe Public Library Society Friends of the Sheep River Library Foundation Friends of the University of Alberta Friends of the Westlock Public Library Society Friends of Vermilion Public Library Friends of Western Canada High School Society Friends of Wildwood School Friends of C. Ian McLaren School Hanna Volunteer Association Fringe Theatre Adventure Society Fukienese Association of Calgary Fulton Place Community League G.P. Vanier Band Parents Association Gabriela Mistral Latin American School Society Galt #8 Mine Historic Site Society Gas City Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club GATE Parent Association Gateway Association for Community Living Geetuck Senior Recreation Club German Bilingual Association German Bilingual Association of Strathcona County German Canadian Harmonie Club Gibbons Curling Club Girl Guides of Canada - Alberta Council Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada, Chinook Area Girls Incorporated of Northern Alberta Gleichen & District Curling Club Gleichen & District Minor Hockey Assoc. Gleichen Lions Club Glen Rose Hospital Glendon Agricultural Society Glengarry Child Care Society Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Golden Years Town & Country Club Goldeye Foundation Society Goodhearts Mentoring Foundation Grande Cache Curling Club Grande Prairie Royal Purple No. 107 Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau Great Bend Community Centre Greater Edmonton Foundation Greater Edmonton Lacrosse Council Greater Forest Lawn Senior Citizen's Society Green Fools Theatre Society Greenfield Community League Grenada/Canada Social Cultural Assoc. of Calgary GRIT Calgary Society Grouard-Peace River Trail Net Society H. J. Cody Athletic Assoc. Hamlin St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church Inglewood Silver Threads Association Participating Eligible Organizations Hardisty & District Handy Van Society Hardisty Minor Hockey Harry Ainlay Music Parents Association Haysboro Community Association Heart of the Peace Heritage Agricultural Society Heritage School Parent Council High Level Native Friendship Centre High River Rebekah Lodge #129 Highwood Golf and Country Club Hillhurst Rebekah Lodge #116 Hillview Elementary School Historical Society of Alberta Holden Agricultural Society Holy Cross Zorianka Dance Homesteader Community League Hong Kong Chinese Immigrant Association of Calgary Horse Hill Parent Advisory Assoc. Hospice Calgary Society Hostelling International - Canada - Southern Alberta Region Hostling Association Northern Alberta District Hoy Sun Association of Calgary Human Serve International Society for Relief and Development Hussar Agricultural Society Hussar and District Hall Maintenance Society Hussar Fish and Game Club Hussar Hall Maintenance Society Hussar Historical Society Hussar Kindergarten Association Hussar Lions Club Hussar Square and Compass Beneficent Society Hussar Sundowners Seniors Centre Igbo Cultural Association of Calgary Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire – Beaverlodge Innisfail & District Historial Society Independent Order of Odd Fellows Indian Ex-Servicemen Immigrant Association Indus Minor Hockey Association Inglewood Community Association Inglewood Lawn Bowling Club Irvine School Parent Association Innisfail Minor Hockey Association Irvine & District Curling Club Irvine School Parent Association J.P. Decosse Residents Council Association Jet Setters Club Carseland Jewish Archives & Historical Society of Edmonton & Northern Alberta Jin Wah Sang Music Society of Calgary Job Safety Skills Society Kaleidoscope Theatre of Drumheller Society Kantorei Choral Society KARA Family Resource Centre Kathyrn Community Association Kathyrn ECS Society Kathyrn School Fundraising Society Kerby Centre Keyland College Foundation Kidney Foundation of Canada, Lethbridge Chapter Killam & District Agricultural Society Killarney Community League Killarney Swim club Kinette Club of Leduc Kinosayo Museum Society Kinsmen Club of Calgary Kinsmen Club of High River Kinuso Senior Citizens Club Kiwanis Club of Calgary Nothmount Kiwanis Club of Lethbridge Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat Kiwanis Club of Red Deer Kiwanis Club of South Edmonton Knee Hill Valley Community Centre Knights of Columbus Knights of Columbus - Father Hannas Council #10519 Knights of Columbus Bishop Sabaryn Council Knights of Columbus Council 1490 Korean Literary Club of Edmonton Korean Senior Citizen Society of Edmonton Kyklos Hellenic Performing And Literay Arts Group Innisfail Minor Hockey Association Irvine & District Curling Club Lions Club of Viking Participating Eligible Organizations La Societe du Centre Scolaire de Calgary Lac Bellevue and District Recreation & Agricultural Society Lac Cardinal Regional Pioneer Village Museum Society Lac La Biche Elks #470 Lac La Biche Kinsmen Lac La Biche Royal Purple #309 Lacombe Kozy Korner Sr. Centre Lakedell Agriculture Society Lakedell Area Community Library Society Lakedell Parent Fundraising Committee Lakeland Rodeo Association Langdon Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Langdon Volunteer Firefighters LaPerle Community League L'Arche Association of Calgary Laurier Heights Community League Lawn Bowls Association of AB LB Community League, Olds Le Centre de Developpement Musical Learning Centre Literacy Association Leduc Black Gold Rodeo & Exhibition Association Leduc Composite High School Parent Teacher Association Leduc Fish & Game Association Leduc Junior B Riggers Hockey Club Leduc Junior High School Parents' Association Leduc/Devon Oilfield Historical Society Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary Lendrum community League Lethbridge & District Humane Society Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club Lethbridge Symphony Assoc. Lewis Estates Community League Board of Directors Lions Club Lions Club of Airdrie Lions Club of Cochrane Lions Club of District 37 - Youth Camp Lions Club of Highwood Lions Club of Keoma Lions Club of Medicine hat Lions Club of Millet & District Lions Club of Strathmore Lions of Alberta Foundation Lions Village of Greater Edmonton Society Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association Live Wires Senior Club Londonderry Child Development Society Lone Ridge Hall Community Association Lord Beaverbrook Music Parents Association Loyal Order of the Moose Lung Kong Association Calgary Chapter Lynnwood Community League Maanaw Seva Association Maharashtra Seva Samiti Organization Mallaig & District Agricultural Society Ma-Me-O Senior Sunsetters Assoc. Marigold Seniors Society of Edmonton Maskepetoon Community Crime Watch Assoc. McKernan District Community League MDW Pure Energy Parents Foundation Medicine Hat & District Live Music Club Medicine Hat and District Canada Day Society Medicine Hat and District Track and Field Society Medicine Hat Baseball Canada Cup Society Medicine Hat Bicycle Motocross Assoc. Medicine Hat Curling Club Special Events Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Medicine Hat Firehall Theatre Society Medicine Hat Public Schools Education Foundation Medicine Hat Quota International Medicine Hat Senior Men's Slow Pitch Medicine Hat Seniors Advisory Committee Medicine Hat Soccer Association Medicine Hat Tennis Society Metis Nation of Alberta Association Loca Council #8 (Medicine Hat) Michener Hill Curling Club MidSun Music Parents Society Mile Zero Dance Military And Hospitaller Order Of Saint Lazarus Of Jerusalem In Canada - Edmonton Commandery Mill Woods Society for Community Living Millarville Sports Asso Millet and District Historical Society Millet Fish And Game Association Participating Eligible Organizations Millet Legion Millet Minor Hockey Millet Skating Club Millican Ogden Community Association Millwood Minor Football Milo Community School Foundation Mirror & District Museum Assoc. Mirror Jolly Seniors Social Club Monarch Child Care Society Board of Directors Monterey Park Community Association Monterey Park Elementary School Parents Association Morinville Curling Club Morrin Community Assoc. Mount View Home & School Association Mountain View Academy Mountain View Community Hall Association Mountainview Sports & Handicapped Society Mulhurst Bay Community League Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Alberta Division Museum of the Highwood Na'amat Canada Inc. – Edmonton Namaka Community Club Nampa & District Agricultural Society Nanton Community Centre Nanton Lancaster Society Natya-Size Fitness/Wellness Club Navy League for Canada Stony Plain Navy League of Canada, Sherwood Park Branch Netball Alberta New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia North Central Alberta Amateur Radio Club North East Sportsplex Society North of McKnight Community Resource Centre North Seera Hockey Society North West Community Athletic Club Northern AB Pioneers and Descendants Northern Alberta Benefit Society for Scoliosis Northern Alberta Pioneers and Descendants Association Norwood Seniors Services Assoc. Nose Creek Valley Museum Oakridge Community Association OCD Sturgeonian Rugby Football Club Ogden House Seniors Citizens 50+ club Ohtsuka Amateur Karate Foundation (AKF) Oilfields Curling Club Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation Okotoks Skating Club Olds Curling Club Olds Lions Club Olympian Swim Club Onoway & District Fish & Game Onoway & District Heritage Society Onoway & District Historical Guild Onoway Facility Enhancement Association Onoway Golden Club Onoway Minor Hockey Association Opera Nuova-Newly United Operatic Vocalists Association Opportunity Works Calgary Inc. Optimist Club of Medicine Hat Orca Synchronized Swimming Club Order of the Eastern Star - Forestburg Chpt. #54 Order of the Royal Purple Order of the Royal Purple - Edgerton Lodge No. 224 Osteoporosis Society - Alberta Chapter #79632 Our Lady of Fatima Assoc. Oyen & District Health Care Foundation Paddle Alberta Paddy Luke Fraternal Society PALS Pet Access League Society Panda Basketball Alumni Foundation Parent Advisory Council of Nellie McClung School Parents Action Committee for Education Parkallen Parents Association Parkdale Community Association Parkland Pirates Aquatic Club Paul Kane Alumni Society Peace River High School Parent Association Peer Mediation and Skills Training Performing Arts of LaZerte Society Personal Community Support Association Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta Pigeon Lake Lions Club Participating Eligible Organizations Pincher Creek Lions Club Pineridge Community Association Pioneer Thresherman's Association at Triangle Pipestone Community Society Plamondon & Wandering River Community Resource Society Pleasantview Seniors Lodge Auxiliary Association Polish Canadian Society Polish Combatants' Assoc. 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House Lions Club Rocky Native Friendship Centre Society Rocky View Regional Handibus Rockyford Fire & Rescue Association Rosebrier Community School Action Society Rosebud Fire Association Rosebud Health Foundation Rosebud Memorial Hall Association Rosedale Community Association Rotary Club of Calgary Centennial Rotary Club of Calgary Fish Creek Rotary Club of Drumheller Rotary Club of Fort McMurray Rotary Club of Medicine Hat Rotary Club of Sherwood Park Rotary Club of Stony Plain Round Hill and District Agricultural Society Round Hill Elks Lodge #71 Royal Canadian Legion #10 Royal Canadian Legion #132 Royal Canadian Legion Br. #66 Royal Canadian Legion Br. 124 Royal Canadian Legion Branch #246 Royal Canadian Legion Winfield Branch #236 Royal Canadian Legion, Castor Branch #119 Royal Canadian Legion, Camrose #39 Royal Canadian Legion, Camrose #57 Royal Cdn. Legion Royal Purple No. 21 Royal Purple of Canada Crossfield #261 Royal Purple of Canada Drumheller Lodge No. 109 Rpest Drums of Edmonton Transit Rudolph Hennig School Advisory Council Rycroft Agricultural Society Saamis Rotary Club Salta Gymnastics Sangudo Agricultural Society Sangudo Elks Lodge Sangudo Golden Club Sangudo Minor Sports Assoc. 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Smoky Lake Holubka Dancers Smoky Lake Sr Club Smoky Lake Town And Country Golf Club Societe des parents Ecole Publique Societe francophone des arts visuels de l'Alberta Society for Millarville School Fundraising Society for the Ecole Frere Antoine Parents Advisory Committee Society for the Propagation of Polish Language and Culture Society for Treatment of Autism Society of Parents & Friends of Michener Centre Softball Alberta Soroptimist International of Calgary Society South Calgary Wado Kai Karate Club South East Edmonton Recreation Association South Peace Centennial Museum Association South Side Athletic Club South West Arena Society South West Parents for French Immersion (SWPFI) Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society Southland Hockey Association Southwood Community League Special Olympics Alberta Spectrum Festival Foundation Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Northern Alberta Sport Central Association Springbank Equestrian Society Springbank Park for all Seasons Agricultural Society (SPFAS) Spruce Avenue Community League Spruce Grove Ringette Association St. Albert (Host) Lions Club St. Albert Association of Friends of the Public Library St. Albert Breakfast Lions Club St. Albert Community Band St. Albert Cornerstone Society St. Albert Parents' Place Association St. Albert Ringette Association St. Albert Senior Citizen's Club St. Dominic Savio Council #12457 St. Francis of Assisi School Council St. Hilda Parent Association St. John Ambulance St. Maria Goretti School Parents' Society St. Mark's Building Society St. Martin Ukrainian Bilingual Playschool St. Mary's Education Society St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Congregation of Boian St. Matthew School Council Society St. Paul & District Crisis Association St. Paul Agricultural Society St. Paul Curling Club St. Paul Elks Lodge No. 465 St. Paul Friends of Playschool St. Vital Senior Club St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Orthodox Church Standard Community Hall Association Standard Curling Club Standard Lions Club Standard Volunteer Fire Assoc. Stanley Park Lawn Bowling Steele Heights Music Parents Association Step one Housing Society in Strathmore Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society Stettler & District Senior Citizen's Drop-In Centre Assoc. Participating Eligible Organizations Stettler District Agricultural Society Stettler Friends of the Library Stettler information and Referral Centre Stony Plain Amateur Minor Ball Association Stony Plain Lions Club Stony Plain Minor Hockey Stony Plain Skating Club Strathcona Curling Club Strathcona Minor Hockey Association Strathcona Shelter Society Strathmore & District Playschool Parent Volunteer Committee Strathmore District Health Foundation Stry Ukrainian Catholic Recreation Society Sturgeon Agriplex Society Sun.Ergos, A Company of Theatre and Dance Sunalta Parent Council Sunalta School Parents Society Sundre Order of Royal Purple #191 Superskate Advance Hockey Dev. Assoc. Suzirya Ukrainian Dance Theatre Assoc. Suzuki Talent Education Society of Calgary Swedish Society of Calgary Sylvan Lake Seniors Association T.D. Baker Parent Advisory Council Taber Lions Club Tamaran Seniors Club of Calgary Tecumseh Tae Kwon do Society Temple Beth Ora Temple B'Nai Tikvah Temple Community (Calgary) Assoc. The Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton The Alberta Safety Council The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT Edmonton Office The Bonavista Band Parents Association The Boy Scouts of Canada Eighteenth Scout Group Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Own The Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizen's Association The Calgary Society of Community Opportunities (CSCO) The Cantonese Opera Music Research Edmonton Assoc. The Clubhouse Society in Calgary The Danish Canadian Club in Calgary The Downtown Friendship Centre Society The Duke of Edinburgh's Award The Edmonton Folk Music Festival The Edmonton Girls Hockey Association The Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival Association The Edmonton Rowing Club The Edmonton Safe Parent Association The Family Leisure Centre Association of SE Calgary The Friends of the Elk Point Public Library Society The Gray House Guild The Hamptons School Parent Society The Historical Society of Alberta The Hope Foundation of Alberta The Irish Culture Society The Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth in Canada The Meadows Community League The Metis Center Society The Metis Senior's Association The Prostitution Awareness and Action Foundation of Edmonton The Ranche at Fish Creek Restoration Society The Regent Academy of Irish Dance Parents' Association The Rehabilitation Society of Calgary The Royal Canadian Legion No. 271 The Schizophrenia Society in Calgary The Society for Children's Oncology - Family Services for Northern Alberta The South Alberta Light Horse Regiment Foundation The St. Andrew-Caledonian Society of Calgary The Support Network The Ukrainian Museum of Canada - Alberta Branch The Valley Bus Society Participating Eligible Organizations The Breakfast Club The Vocational and Rehabilitation Research Institute The Wetaskiwin Curling Association (1985) The Women's Centre of Calgary The Works International Visual Arts Soc. Theatre Alberta Theatre Calgary Theatre of the New Heart Society Thorhild Golden Age Drop in Centre Thorsby and District Fish and Game Association Tofield Lions Club Tri-County Snowmobile Club Trinidad & Tobago Organettes Social & Cultural Association Trochu Golf & Country Club (1987) Tuxedo Park Community Assoc. Two Hills & Area Victim Services Society Two Hills Elementary Parent Council Committee Ukraine Committee Peace River Ukraine Millennium Society of Alberta Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Holy Ghost - Holden Ukrainian Catholic Women's League Of Canada (Alberta Branch) Ukrainian Orthodox Congregation of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada - Edmonton Branch Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada - Edmonton Branch Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM) Ukrainian Youth Association of Canada (CYM) Calgary Branch Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex Ukrainian Youth Unity of General Taras Shuchewych-Chuprynka Uncles and Aunts at Large (Edmonton) Society United Calgary Chinese Association United Nations Association in Canada, Calgary Branch Uptown Folk Club Valley Creek Cooperating Society Valley Neighbours Club Valley Ridge Community Association Valley View Super Kids Society Valleyview & District Gun Club Varsity Community Association Vedanta Society of Calgary Vegreville Regional Museum Society Verkhovyna St. Josaphat Senior Home Vermilion and Area Brighter Beginnings Viking Curling Club Viking Lions Club Vilna District Volunteer Fire Fighters Vista Heights School Volksport Association of Alberta Volunteer Centre of Calgary Volunteer Centre of Camrose and District Volunteer Programs Association Vulcan Senior Citizen Centre Warner Seniors Drop In Centre Waskatenau & District Community Water Ski & Wakeboard Association of Alberta Wecan Food Basket Society Wecan Society Wedgewood Ravine Community League Weedon Pioneer Community Association West Hillhurst Go-Getters (SC) Association West Meadowlark Community League Western Canadian Seiwa-Kai Karate Association Westlock and District Community Hall Society Westlock and District Tractor Museum Foundation Westridge Wolf Willow Community League Westwinds Music Society Wet & Wild Diving Society Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum Wetaskiwin Health Foundation Wetaskiwin Lions Club Wetaskiwin Rotary Club Wetaskiwin Ski Club Wheat Pool Grain Museum Society Wheatland Athletic Assoc. Wheatland Conservation & Wildlife Assoc. Wheatland County Food Bank Varsity Community Association Participating Eligible Organizations Wheatland Elementary School Parent Council Wheatland Elementary School Parent Council Whitecourt Curling Club Wild Rose Old Tyme Fiddlers Association Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton Wildrose Polio Support Society Wildwood Community Association Wilma Hansen Jr. High School Parent Advisory Association Wimborne Community Centre Windmill Theatre Players Windy Ridge Riders Assoc. Windy Slopes Health Foundation Winfield Legion #236 Winfield Lions Club Winnifred Stewart Association Wm. J. Cadzow Hospital Auxiliary Association WO Mitchell Parent Council Society Woking Skating Rink Association Wolverines Wheelchair Sports Association Women of the Moose #559 Woodcreek Community Woodcroft Community League Woodcross Community League Woodlands School Council Association Workshop Theatre World Lebanese Cultural Union, Society of Edmonton Wu Yi Association of Calgary Wye String Ensemble Society Y.E.S.S. Youth Emergency Shelter Society of Edmonton Yatran Dance Academy Association Young Alberta Book Society Youth Enrichment Foundation of Thorhild YouthLink Calgary-The Calgary Police Interpretive Centre Zambales Association of Calgary Zhi Yang Inner City Seniors Zone 4 - S. Sunshine Coasters Assoc. Charitable casino regions Fort McMurray Grande Prairie Edmonton St Albert Camrose Charity Charity allocation allocation by by region region Region Waiting_time Proceeds Calgary 19.1 $76,109 Edmonton 22.0 $75,718 Fort McMurray 16.0 $57,996 Calgary - Rural 32.0 $47,760 Grande Prairie 33.4 $37,066 Lethbridge 33.1 $36,021 Red Deer 32.4 $27,158 St. Albert 27.1 $18,972 Camrose 30.7 $18,972 Medicine Hat 16.2 $18,246 Notes: Notes: 1.Charity 1.Charity allocation allocation is is shown shown as as of of June June 23, 23, 2009 2009 2.Wait 2.Wait time time is is in in months months as as of of July July 31, 31, 2009 2009 3.Proceeds 3.Proceeds have have been been rounded rounded to to the the nearest nearest dollar dollar Red Deer Calgary Charitable casino locations Medicine Hat Number of charities per community Lethbridge 170 85 17 Highways Alberta Alberta Gaming Gaming and and Liquor Liquor Commission Commission August August 2009 2009 Excerpts of AGLC Board Policies Casino Regions and Access Casino Terms and Conditional and Operating Guidelines 2.1.2 Each licence application is evaluated based on its geographic location: a) Groups located within the boundary of Edmonton must conduct casinos within that city. Groups located outside of Edmonton may not access casinos within Edmonton. b) Groups located within the boundary of Calgary must conduct casinos within that city. Groups located in close proximity to Calgary may conduct casinos at the Silver Dollar Casino in Calgary. This area includes Banff to the west, Crossfield to the north, Strathmore to the east and High River to the south. c) Outside of Edmonton and Calgary (except as provided for in Subsection 2.1.2.b) groups shall normally conduct their casino events at licensed casino facilities situated outside of Edmonton and Calgary which are in their location or at the casino facility in closest proximity to their location. d) Provincial groups are eligible to conduct casino gaming events in any community in the province subject to compliance with the Board‟s Related Groups- Eligibility policy. To establish “provincial group status” for gaming licences, groups must establish with the AGLC that: i) the registered charitable objectives of the group have a provincial focus; ii) the by-laws of the group provide for the establishment of offices in other Alberta communities; iii) the executive and membership lists of the group indicate that membership is drawn from communities throughout Alberta; and iv) the group has a record of program or service delivery and plans to continue to deliver its programs and/or services to communities throughout Alberta. Proceeds Distribution Casino Terms and Conditional and Operating Guidelines 2.9 CASINO POOLING 2.9.1 Casino pooling means the collection of all casino proceeds (and/or losses) over a three month period of time (as specified in Section 2.9.3) from events held in a licensed facility or facilities. The proceeds are placed into two separate pools as follows: Pool A - Table Game Proceeds: refers to the funds remaining after the payment of approved prizes and approved casino event expenses; and Pool B - Commissions from Electronic Games: refers to the commissions paid to the licensed charities from electronic games (e.g. slot machines). 2.9.2 Casino pools are administered by the AGLC for the benefit of the licensed charities. 2.9.3 Licensed charities must pool casino proceeds (and/or losses) within the same pooling period as follows: a) licensed charities conducting casinos in communities with two or more casino facility licensees must pool net casino proceeds (and/or losses) with all charities licensed in the same community within the same pooling period (Exception: Silver Dollar Casino in Calgary does not pool its table game proceeds with other casinos in Calgary); b) licensed charities conducting casinos in St. Albert and Camrose must pool net casino proceeds (and/or losses) with all charities within the same pooling period; and c) licensed charities must submit net casino proceeds to the casino facility licensee at the end of each casino event. The facility licensee must deposit the net casino proceeds the next business day. The AGLC will obtain the net casino proceeds from the facility licensee through electronic funds transfer. The AGLC will notify the casino facility licensee of the required amount of the transfer. 2.9.4 The pooling period is the same as the quarterly casino draw period. Quarters are JanuaryMarch, April-June, July-September and October-December. 2.9.5 After the pooling period is over, the AGLC will provide each licensed charity with a statement of distribution of pooled funds. This statement will include the following information: a) the total pooled funds received; b) any re-imbursement of event losses; c) the interest earned on pooled funds; d) the final payments made to the AGLC for the quarterly license fees and the pool administration costs; e) other adjustments as required; f) the number of charity shares; and g) the amount disbursed to each charity. 2.9.6 The AGLC will deposit these funds to each charity‟s approved casino bank account through electronic funds transfer (EFT). If unable to make an EFT, the AGLC will mail a cheque to the licensed charity for deposit to its approved casino bank account. 2.9.7 No advances to any licensed charity shall be made from the pool prior to the end of the pooling period. 2.9.8 In the event Pool A is in a deficit position at the end of the pooling period, the AGLC will administer the pool as follows: a) applications from charities for reimbursement of food and refreshment expenses and advisor fees will be added to the overall pool deficit; b) claims for the charities‟ portion of the float losses will be added to the pool deficit; c) pool administration costs and licence fees will be added to the pool deficit; and d) once the overall Pool A deficit has been calculated, the deficit will be offset by an equal amount from Pool B containing the commissions from electronic gaming accumulated during the pooling period. Note: If the commissions from electronic gaming do not offset the deficit, each charity will be required to reimburse an equal share of the deficit to the pool. (The above is the same as Section 23 - Casino Licensee Terms and Conditions) Volunteers Casino Terms and Conditions and Operating Guidelines 2.4 LICENSED CHARITY‟S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 2.4.1 The licensed charity shall operate the casino according to: a) the licence which includes information pertaining to the location, number of games, dates and hours of operation; b) the operating requirements provided in the Casino Terms & Conditions and Operating Guidelines (CTCOG). A copy is to be available at the casino premises in the following areas: - each games pit; - cash cage; - count room; - volunteer/charity worker lounge; and - staff lounge; c) any special conditions required by the Board; d) the House Rules of the casino facility which shall not conflict with the CTCOG; and e) all municipal, provincial and federal laws. 2.4.2 Licensed charities shall immediately report to the AGLC any irregularities, theft, fraud, cheating at play or violations of policy in the conduct of its licensed gaming event and in the use of gaming proceeds. 2.4.3 Where gaming revenue or gaming proceeds are missing due to suspected theft or fraud, the licensed charity shall not initiate any civil action against, or enter into any repayment agreements or other agreements with, persons suspected of being responsible for the missing gaming revenue or proceeds. Casino Licensee Terms and Conditions 27. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER STAFF OR CHARITY WORKERS (3.1) 27.1 Eligibility requirements for volunteer staff or charity workers are as follows: a) only bona fide members of the licensed charity or employees of a First Nation Charity shall work in the positions of general manager, banker, cashier, count room supervisor or advisor (when performed by a volunteer). The licensed charity may use nonmembers, on a volunteer basis, to fill other positions as required. Licensed charities whose members are disabled may accept outside volunteer help for all positions; b) charity workers must be registered with the AGLC and may only work at First Nation casinos; c) charity workers‟ wages shall be subject to AGLC approval; d) all volunteer staff and charity workers must be 18 years of age or older; and e) a person may not be eligible to work in a casino if the person: i) has, within the five years prior to the submission of the application been charged with or convicted of: - an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Excise Act (Canada), the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada), or - an offence under a foreign Act or regulation that, in the Board‟s opinion, is substantially similar to an offence referred to in subclause i). ii) has, at any time been charged with or convicted of: - an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Excise Act (Canada), the Food and Drugs Act (Canada) or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada), or - an offence under a foreign Act or regulation that, in the Board‟s opinion, is substantially similar to an offence referred to in subclause ii), if in the Board‟s opinion the offence is sufficiently serious that it may detract from the integrity with which gaming activities or provincial lotteries are to be conducted in Alberta; or iii) has, within the five (5) years prior to the submission of the application, been serving a term of imprisonment of three (3) years or more. 27.2 A minimum of 25 volunteers are required for a 16-50 game casino. A minimum of 15 volunteers are required for a 15 game or less casino. Volunteers or charity workers are required to fill the following positions: a) general manager(s) and alternate; b) banker; c) cashier; d) chip runner; e) count room supervisor; and f) count room staff (5). 27.3 Paid staff of the licensed group can work any position, provided: a) they are bona fide members of the licensed charity; b) they volunteer their services outside normal working hours; and c) they do not fill the following positions: i) general manager; i) alternate general manager; ii) banker; or iv) count room supervisor. 28. CONDUCT (3.2) 28.1 Volunteers working a licensed casino event shall not be paid cash, from casino proceeds or from any other source of revenue, for their services. This includes, but is not limited to: a) cash payments; b) casino licensee “vouchers” that can be exchanged for cash; and c) receiving money, goods or services for personal use, from individuals which provide premises, services, equipment or supplies to events sponsored by the volunteer‟s group. 28.2 Volunteers working a licensed casino event may receive credits/points to help offset the cost of registration fees, competition fees, and/or travel expenses for an approved charitable activity conducted by a licensee. The credits/points shall: a) not be redeemable for cash; and b) not be used for social/recreational purposes. 28.3 Volunteers may transfer the credits/points earned from working an event: a) to other members of the licensed group; or b) to individuals who are beneficiaries of the group‟s programs (for example an amateur athlete participating in a structured and developmental sport); or c) on the approval of the AGLC, to other licensees, if: i) the groups redeeming the credits are community leagues/associations; or ii) the groups redeeming the credits have structures with provincial, regional, district and/or zone components. 28.4 If credits/points are transferred to other licensees, a voucher must be used as a means of exchange. The voucher shall include the following information: a) name of licensed group issuing the voucher; b) serial number; c) date of issuance; d) value; e) name and telephone number of person voucher issued to; f) recipient is a member or non-member of group issuing the voucher; g) redemption date; h) redemption purpose; i) expiry date (not to exceed one year from date of issuance); j) authorizing signature; and k) notice stating the voucher cannot be used for social/recreational or non-charitable purposes. 28.5 The group issuing the credits/points shall maintain records of the credits/points. The records are subject to review by the AGLC. The records shall include a ledger with the following information: a) names of volunteers earning the credits; b) volunteer is a member or non-member of group issuing the credits; c) dates the volunteers earned the credits; d) values of the credits earned; e) dates the credits were redeemed or transferred; f) purpose(s) for which the credits were redeemed (if applicable); and g) if the credits/points are redeemed by another group: i) the date(s) the other group received payment for the credit redemption; ii) the dollar value of the redemption claim; and iii) the name of the gaming account from where the payment was issued. 28.6 If the credits/points are redeemed by another licensed group, this other group shall maintain records of the credits/points. The records, which are subject to review by the AGLC, shall include a ledger with the following information: a) name of person redeeming the credits; b) name of group issuing the credits; c) date of credit redemption; d) value of credits being redeemed; e) purpose for which the credits were redeemed; and f) when redeeming credits/points from the group issuing the credits: i) the date of the redemption claim; ii) the dollar value of the redemption claim; and ii) the name of the gaming account where redemption claim was deposited. 28.7 All volunteer staff and charity workers must report to the general manager and ensure their printed name, signature, position and date and time of shift are recorded on the Casino Volunteer/Charity Worker Approval and Sign-In form before starting their shift. 28.8 Volunteer staff and charity workers shall work only in positions specified on the Casino Volunteer/Charity Worker Approval and Sign-In form. 28.9 No volunteer staff or charity workers shall work more than one position during the casino licence period except: a) the general manager may assign a count room worker to witness table closing chip counts. This must not interfere with count room duties; and b) in casinos outside of Edmonton, Calgary and St. Albert those individuals assuming the positions of banker, cashier(s) and chip runner may, once their Cash Cage duties have been concluded, also work in the various count room positions. The one exception being the banker, who shall not be allowed to assume the position of count room supervisor. 28.10 Volunteer staff and charity workers shall wear a name badge while on duty showing first or common name, position, and date of casino. 28.11 All volunteer staff and charity workers are prohibited from playing casino games or gaming terminals (including slot machines and VLTs) where they are working for the duration of their licensed charity‟s event. 28.12 Volunteer staff and charity workers are prohibited from consuming liquor, being under the influence of liquor or using illicit substances. 28.13 Volunteer staff and charity workers are prohibited from cashing cheques or extending credit. 28.14 Personal possession of chips by volunteer staff and charity workers is prohibited and shall be reported immediately to the AGLC by the general manager. 29. GENERAL MANAGER AND ALTERNATE GENERAL MANAGER (3.3) 29.1 The General Manager is responsible for all aspects of the casino. 29.2 In consultation with the games manager, the general manager shall ensure the casino is conducted in accordance with the CTCOG. 29.3 An alternate general manager shall be on duty in the General Manager‟s absence. 29.4 The general manager duties are as follows: a) Operational Functions: i) enters the appropriate information from the licence into the CasinoTrack system; ii) ensures all volunteer staff (excluding count room staff) are in the casino facility a minimum of one (1) hour prior to casino opening; iii) ensures the count room staff are present a minimum of 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of shift; iv) ensures the names of all volunteer staff are entered into the CasinoTrack system; v) ensures designated volunteer staff is in place and have signed in at the beginning of shift and signed out at end of shift with system access cards on the CasinoTrack system; vi) witnesses interim and final pull of drop boxes; vii) may perform duties of other volunteer staff or charity workers on a temporary basis [no longer than one (1) hour] as long as all procedures for the position are followed, e.g. assuming duties of other volunteer staff to allow them to take a break or eat a meal; viii) may fill a position that becomes vacant due to unforeseen circumstances (shall be documented on a Discrepancy Report); ix) may assign another volunteer or charity worker to fill a vacant position for the duration of the licence period (shall be documented on a Discrepancy Report); and x) sign all Discrepancy Reports in addition to the advisor or the games manager. b) Financial Transactions: i) counts and verifies the opening cash bankroll and the opening chip inventory received from the casino facility licensee or his designate each day; ii) witnesses transfer of cash from count room supervisor to banker; iii) ensures closing cage bankroll, next day‟s opening float and chips are in secure overnight storage; iv) ensures the casino facility licensee or designate provides a cheque at the end of the event for the cost of the advisor fees and concession fees; v) ensures all financial transaction entries into the CasinoTrack system are completed as required; vi) investigates fully any error, procedural irregularity or other breach of CTCOG and reports to the AGLC (refer to Subsection 5.8); vii) reports immediately to the Investigations Branch any volunteer in personal possession of casino chips; and viii) returns remaining chips to the casino facility licensee or designate and enters the information on the CasinoTrack system; ix) returns and signs, after the close of the event, to the casino facility licensee or his designate, cash equal to the opening cash bankroll received the morning of each day; and x) after the conclusion of all related tasks, all cash including the opening bankroll and the event proceeds are to be returned to the casino facility licensee. Verification of the return of this cash is to be obtained from the casino facility licensee‟s designated individual. c) Security: ensures secure handling and storage of chips and cash at all times during the casino event. 30. BANKER (3.4) 30.1 The banker supervises the cash cage and is directly accountable to the general manager. 30.2 The banker is responsible for the cashiers and the chip runners. 30.3 Specific duties of the banker are as follows: a) documents all transactions as required and ensures security of all chips and cash in cash cage; b) ensures cashiers retain personal control of chips and cash for which they are responsible while on duty; c) receives and counts opening cash bankroll and chip inventory with the general manager; d) records and maintains a running inventory of the cash bankroll and the chip inventory: e) issues opening inventory of chips to games where required; f) documents transactions as required and maintains security and control of chips/coin inventory during shift; g) supplies games with chips/coin as requested on CasinoTrack system; h) receives excess chips/coin from games as requested on CasinoTrack system; i) issues opening cash fill and subsequent cash fills to cashiers; j) obtains cash transfers from the count room supervisor as required; k) receives inventory of chips/cash from cashiers; l) counts, amalgamates and records all chips and cash in cash cage at the end of the day; m) returns remaining chips to the facility operator at the end of the day and enters information on the CasinoTrack system; n) at the end of the day, transfers cash to general manager for secure overnight storage or transfer to casino facility licensee. 31. CASHIER (3.5) 31.1 The cashier duties are as follows: a) receives and counts opening cash fill from the banker; b) maintains security of the cash and chips for which he or she is responsible while on duty in the cash cage; c) redeems players‟ chips for cash; d) ensures the general manager, banker or advisor witnesses all player cash-outs over $200; e) ensures trays are put in cash drawers and the drawers are locked when leaving cash cage; f) at the end of a shift, accounts for and transfers all chips and cash for which he or she is responsible to the banker. 31.2 The cashier must not: a) sell chips; b) exchange U.S. currency for chips or cash; and c) exchange traveller‟s cheques for chips or cash. 32. CHIP RUNNER (3.6) 32.1 The chip runner duties are as follows: a) participates in games opening and closing with gaming table personnel; b) transfers fills from the banker to games and credits from games to banker; c) verifies the accuracy of these transactions; d) at final close of games each day, witnesses chip count and verifies on the CasinoTrack system; and e) may assist the general manager during pull of drop boxes. 33. COUNT ROOM SUPERVISOR (3.7) 33.1 The count room supervisor is directly accountable to the general manager for the supervision of count room procedures and count room staff. 33.2 The count room supervisor shall document all transactions as required and ensure security of all cash and chips in the count room. 33.3 Specific duties of the count room supervisor are as follows: a) ensures count room is secured; b) records the number of bills, coins and chips (if any) counted by the amalgamator, on the CasinoTrack system; c) verifies the information entered by the recorder; d) supplies cash to banker as required; e) ensures the rake boxes are counted first and chips are transferred to banker before continuing the count; f) prepares float and bank deposits; and g) generates Master Revenue Report and Count Room Drop Box Verification on CasinoTrack system. 34. SORTER (3.8) 34.1 The duties of the sorter are as follows: a) empties the contents of the drop box and shows open box to camera to ensure it is empty; b) sorts cash or chips into denominations and places into money bin with a “Box ID Card” and passes bin to counter; c) witnesses count by counter; and d) at final close of games may witness table chip count, if required. 35. COUNTER (3.9) 35.1 The duties of the counter are as follows: a) counts the contents of the money bin using money counting machine; b) places contents of drop box back into the money bin along with the “Box ID Card” and passes bin to the amalgamator; and c) assists sorting of chips and cash as needed. 36. RECORDER (3.10) 36.1 The duties of the recorder are as follows: a) enters the table number from the “Box ID card” into the CasinoTrack system; and b) enters the number of bills, coins and chips (if any) counted by the counter into the Casino Track system. 37. AMALGAMATOR (3.11) 37.1 The duties of the amalgamator are as follows: a) receives cash or chips from counter in money bin; b) verifies all bills are of the same denomination; c) uses a counting machine to verify contents of the money bin and advises count room supervisor of the amount by denomination; and d) amalgamates all cash or chips in the count room by denomination into bundles of one hundred after receiving confirmation from the count room supervisor that the totals from both counts match.