As the final component of the “Losing Bet” campaign, RMA is releasing a report on charitable gaming in Alberta.
The current charitable gaming model is a “losing bet” for rural Alberta. The model requires rural organizations to travel further, wait longer, and earn lower revenues than organizations located in Edmonton or Calgary. Despite hosting more types of charitable events in addition to casinos, rural organizations are at a distinct disadvantage.
RMA is doubling down on advocacy efforts to make the charitable gaming system more equitable for rural charities in response to Resolution 12-23S: Casino Opportunities for Charitable Organizations. Despite many years of advocacy from RMA and other rural stakeholders, the Government of Alberta has not acted to ensure gaming funds are equitably distributed to charitable organizations across the province.
RMA is not backing down from this issue, recognizing that now is a critical time for reform, especially as community organizations’ contributions become even more essential amidst economic uncertainty. In response, RMA launched a six-week campaign, “Losing Bet,” which calls on the Government of Alberta to change the charitable gaming model.
- Introduction
- Week 1 – Laying the Cards Out for Charitable Gaming in Alberta
- Week 2 – The Great Divide: Inequities in the Charitable Gaming Model
- Week 3 – Rural Reality: The Price is Not Right
- Week 4 – Laying our Cards on the Table: RMA’s Proposal to Create an Equitable Charitable Gaming Model
- Final Report Release – More Work for Less Money: A Losing Bet for Rural Communities – Alberta’s Charitable Gaming Model
RMA is calling on the Government of Alberta to implement the recommendations outlined in this report and collaborate with both rural and urban stakeholders to develop an equitable charitable gaming model. This model should fairly recognize the significant work of charitable organizations across Alberta, regardless of location. An improved charitable gaming system will allow everyone – rural charities included – to hit the jackpot.
To follow along with this campaign, please visit the RMA’s Charitable Gaming Resources webpage.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
825.319.2245
kallie@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com