Vancouver Considering Rezoning Application to Add 300 Slot Machines to Casino

The City of Vancouver has received a rezoning application that would significantly expand Parq Casino Vancouver's slot machine count.

 

Fulfilling Demand

Staff is currently analyzing the proposal and soliciting feedback from the public, so it hasn't been brought before council yet.

The goal of Parq Casino Vancouver is to raise the number of slot machines that are allowed from 600 to 900. The structure, which is located at 39 Smithe St. in downtown Vancouver, is unaltered by the project.

According to the application, Parq Casino is not satisfying the demand from current players.  Since 2011, Vancouver's population has increased by 22%.

Additionally, they want to satisfy the needs of visitors and non-residents during busy times or significant occasions in the city.  This includes the 2026 World Cup, downtown music events, the NHL's Canucks, and the CFL's Lions.

 

Site with High Traffic

The city will make more money if there are more gambling machines.  In British Columbia, municipal and First Nation governments that own a gaming establishment in their community usually get 10% of the annual net gambling revenue it brings in.

According to BCLC's Community Impact Report 2023/24, host local government payments to the City of Vancouver totaled $6.225 million in 2022–2023 and $6.020 million in 2023–2024.  In 2023–2024, Parq Vancouver also paid the City $3.03 million in municipal taxes.

Parq Holdings Limited Partnership is the lessee of the land, which is held by BC Pavilion Corporation.  The resort has a two-story casino, five restaurants, three lounges, a 60,000-square-foot convention center, two luxury hotels, and retail space.  One of the floors is used as an entry from the BC Place Stadium concourse.

 

Outflow of Revenue from the City

"Approximately two-thirds of gambling revenue from Vancouver residents is flowing out of Vancouver to other lower mainland facilities," the casino owners stated in their application.

Parq's casino license was transferred from Edgewater Casino on False Creek to its present site in 2017.  The casino has 75 table games in addition to 600 slot machines.  With two stories and 72,000 square feet, the new Smithe site can accommodate 1,200 slot machines.  The current designated gaming floor would be able to accommodate the additional 900 slot machines.