What We Heard. Introduction. Consultation Process. What We Heard. Casino Hours Consultative Review

Transcription

1 Casino Hours Consultative Review Introduction A number of casino operators have expressed a desire to have allowable casino table game hours mirror that of casino slot machines. Current Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) policy specifies that casino table games are allowed to operate a maximum of 14 consecutive hours, commencing no earlier than 10 am and ending no later than 2 am; however, casino slot machines can operate for 17 consecutive hours from 10 am to 3 am. In early 2013, the AGLC undertook a consultation process to determine the specific views and concerns of various stakeholders prior to making recommendations to the Board regarding the potential implementation of longer casino hours. The information gathered through stakeholder consultations will be used as an input into future policy considerations by the AGLC and the Government of Alberta. Consultation Process In order to gather feedback from stakeholders, in February/March 2013, the AGLC consulted with all casino operators, all independent casino advisors and 400 randomly-selected charitable and religious organizations. Casino operator feedback was gathered via telephone survey, while advisors and charity groups were contacted via and provided with a link to a web-based survey. Requests for feedback resulted in a strong response rate from stakeholder groups. Of the 513 stakeholders invited to provide feedback through the telephone and web-based surveys, the AGLC received 264 responses. Of the 15 casino operators, 14 responded, while 70 out of 98 casino advisors participated. A total of 180 individuals representing charities comprised the remaining responses. This report contains a summary of the stakeholder input received during the consultation phase of the Casino Hours review, which was conducted in February and March The information provided by the stakeholders as part of this consultation will be used as input for future policy development. You may not agree with all views presented within the document and, at times, the opinions presented, may seem contradictory. All views will be considered when making policy recommendations. Casino Hours Consultative Review Page 1 of 4

2 1. Casino Operators Should the hours of operation for table games be changed to be in line with slot machines? When asked if casino table game hours should mirror those of casino slot machines, 61% of operators answered Yes. Of those that supported expanded table game hours, the majority of operators cited customer demand as the primary reason, with an alignment with slot play and operational efficiencies being another major factor. Only a few operators favor the longer hours as a source for increasing revenue. One-fifth of the operators in favor of expanded hours suggested that expanded hours only be introduced for weekends. Operators that are opposed to expanded table game hours feel it s not cost effective, and is only a small part of business. Some stakeholders also feel that different properties should have different hours. Additional comments: Would consider being open 24 hours/7 days a week if it were an option. Some operators want the flexibility to have different hours depending on the day of the week, i.e. based on consumer demand. From a social responsibility perspective, it s an easier sell when hours are shorter, but tables are full, rather than longer hours with empty tables. Some operators felt that regardless of the extra hour, the drop (revenue) would be the same. 2. Casino Advisors Should the hours of operation for table games be changed to be in line with slot machines? When asked if they would support increasing the existing hours of table operation, 86% of advisors answered No. Many went further in stating that while they did not support longer hours, they would accept it if it were implemented by the AGLC. Of those opposed to expanded table game hours, the majority of advisors cited not enough players and an insufficient demand as the primary reason. Expanded hours being too hard on volunteers was another popular reason for advisors opposing the change. Other reasons for opposition included concerns about advisor hours being too long, as well as responsible gaming concerns. Nearly half the advisors surveyed indicated they would like to see table game hours stay the same, while over one third of advisors indicated they would like to see table game hours reduced. Advisors that were in favour of expanded table hours cited increased revenue for operators/charities and consistency with other gaming offerings at the facility as main reasons for supporting the change. Additional comments: Most customers leave by 2 am and some casinos are almost empty by closing time. We often send one cashier home early as there are not enough players to keep two open. Casino Hours Consultative Review Page 2 of 4

3 Back in 1996, when casinos were open until midnight, it was a lot more enjoyable to walk into a casino. People were lined up to play certain games and the atmosphere was cheerful and fun. These days, it is truly quiet and boring and the excitement factor which is part of the attraction for the players is gone. You can also see it reflected on the faces of the dealers who spend hours at dead tables and make less money since the tips are not flowing. If the demand is there, an extra hour may be justified. If we want to open longer hours we have to be sure that the amount of money generated supersedes the expenses. Volunteers like working casinos but most have day jobs to go to the next day following their shift. Getting volunteers to fill the extra hours until 4am will be difficult. (Casino advisors and volunteers must be present for approximately an hour after closing) I hope this is not an attempt to eliminate volunteers from the current system. Players after 1 a.m. tend to be more "regular" players; not casual or entertainment oriented. Most casual players don't stay past 1 a.m. Casinos here in Alberta are not a tourist destination. Our concern should be to provide an honest gaming experience for Albertans; not try to emulate other jurisdictions that provide destination hotels and world class entertainment...we need to be mindful of our problem gamblers and not try to provide places for them to spend all night. Some advisors feel that the increased hours of work combined with lack of compensation (especially in major casinos) would make it challenging to get all their duties completed within the time frame. Suggestions: If we were to extend the hours could we adjust the count time? Do the first count at the present times, run the close later then do the second count the next day; just as the casinos do their slot and poker counts the following day. If hours were extended, since there would be so little play, the charity day could still end at 2 am and table games could operate on a reduced float with minimal staff members. Cash and chips could then be reconciled the next day when charities arrive. 3. Casino Charities Should the hours of operation for table games be changed to be in line with slot machines? When asked if they would support expanding the hours of table operation, 61% of charities responded Yes. The majority of those in favor of longer hours cited increased revenue potential as the primary reason for doing so. Additional reasons include having consistency with other gaming opportunities and operator efficiency and convenience. For those charities opposed to expanded table hours, an increased burden on the volunteer pool was the biggest concern for most charity groups. Other reasons for opposition include perceptions that the extra hours are unnecessary, and that there isn t sufficient demand to justify more hours. Casino Hours Consultative Review Page 3 of 4

4 Charities were also asked on a scale of 1-7 (with 1 being very difficult and 7 being easy ) how hard it is for them to recruit volunteers for casino events. The average response was 5.15 which seems to indicate that overall, charities are not having extensive difficulties finding volunteers to work casino events. Additional comments: There is no apparent reason for the inconsistency in hours between table games and electronic games. I think whatever you guys want is ok. It helps our school and hockey organization out more than you could know and we are very thankful for what you do for us. Please don t make it even harder for us to recruit volunteers. Since losing the bingos in our area, this is becoming our major source of income. People with gambling problems don t need any more temptation than is already being offered....once or twice per year I enjoy going to a casino with friends, but I know that for some it s problematic. Raising money, knowing it may be coming from someone who has a problem, seems wrong, yet our organization so desperately needs the funds. Suggestions: Sharing of slots revenue over the entire province is essential. Why would a rural charity with the same membership numbers as a city club be treated any less than a city charity? We are all important to the communities we serve. I have experience in working casinos and I know of one casino in another region that pays notably more than Red Deer. I know that the charity given to organizations depends on that take of that particular Casino, but is there any discussions occurring to look into the variance by region. Casino Hours Consultative Review Page 4 of 4

5 Appendix 1 Casino Hours Consultation Operator Questionnaire Question 1: As mentioned in the letter we sent out, the AGLC is undertaking a consultation process to better understand operators views on aligning the hours that table games are offered with the hours of electronic gaming. As you know, currently in Alberta, table games can be made available to players from 12PM to 2AM while slot play is available 10AM to 3AM. If you had a choice, what would the table game hours at your property be? AM/PM to AM/PM Question 2: Would your casino property like to offer table games between the hours of 10AM and 3AM, similar to slots, if the AGLC made this possible? Yes [Go to Question 4] No [Go to Question 3] Question 3: What is the main reason you would NOT like to expand the hours table games are available at your property? Are there any other reasons? Question 4: What is the main reason you would like to expand the hours table games are available at your property? Are there any other reasons? Question 5: Is there anything else you would like to mention on this topic? Casino Hours Consultative Review Appendix 1

6 Appendix 2 Casino Hours Consultation Advisor Questionnaire Question 1: As a Casino Advisor in Alberta, in which of the following casino regions do you typically work? (select all that apply) Edmonton Grand Prairie Calgary Lethbridge Medicine Hat Camrose St. Albert Calgary Rural Red Deer Fort McMurray Question 2: How many years have you been working as a Casino Advisor in Alberta? Question 3: As mentioned in the letter we sent out, the AGLC is undertaking a consultation process to better understand Advisors views on aligning the hours that table games are offered with the hours of electronic gaming. As you know, currently in Alberta, table games can be made available to players from 12PM to 2AM while slot play is available 10AM to 3AM. If you had a choice what would the table game hours in Alberta be? Question 4: Would you be supportive of table games being offered between the hours of 10AM and 3AM, similar to slots, if the AGLC made this possible? Yes [Skip Questions 5-6] No [Skip Questions 7-8] Question 5: What is the main reason you would not like to see table game hours expanded? Question 6: Are there any other reasons? Question 7: What is the main reason you would like to see table game hours expanded? Question 8: Are there any other reasons? Question 9: Is there anything else you would like to mention on this topic? Casino Hours Consultative Review Appendix 2

7 Appendix 3 Casino Hours Consultation Charity Questionnaire Question 1: To the best of your knowledge, under which of the following categories does your eligible charitable or religious organization fall? Agricultural Fair or Exhibition Aid of the Distressed Arts Associations of Employees, Occupations or Professions Chamber of Commerce/Board of Trade Children s Groups Community Leagues/Associations Education Ethno-cultural Fundraising Governance (Arm s Length) Historical Resources Hobby/Social Liaison Medical/Health Aid and Relief Nature Conservancy Non-Profit Promotional Related Groups Senior Citizens Sports Umbrella Groups Veteran, Service and Fraternal Youth I don t know Question 2: In which of the following casino regions does your charitable or religious organization hold its two day casino event? (select all that apply) Camrose Grand Prairie Red Deer Calgary Rural Medicine Hat Calgary Fort McMurray St. Albert Edmonton Lethbridge Question 3: How many years have you personally been working casino events for your charitable or religious organization? Casino Hours Consultative Review Appendix 3

8 Question 4: As mentioned in the letter we sent out, the AGLC is undertaking a consultation process to better understand eligible charitable and religious organization's views on aligning the hours that table games are offered with the hours of electronic gaming. As you know, currently in Alberta, tables games can be made available to players from 12PM to 2AM while slot play is available 10AM to 3AM. If you had a choice what would the table game hours in Alberta be? Question 5: Would your organization be supportive of table games being offered between the hours of 10AM and 3AM, similar to slots, if the AGLC made this possible? Yes [Skip Questions 6-7] No [Skip Questions 8-9] Question 6: What is the main reason you would not like to see table game hours expanded? Question 7: Are there any other reasons? Question 8: What is the main reason you would like to see table game hours expanded? Question 9: Are there any other reasons? Question 10: What level of effort is required by your organization to fulfill the volunteer requirements associated with working a two day casino event? 1 - It is very difficult to get volunteers for the two day casino event Neutral We have no problem getting volunteers for the two day casino event Question 11: Is there anything else you would like to mention on this topic? Casino Hours Consultative Review Appendix 3