Vancouver’s Parq Casino Plans to Expand with 300 Additional Slot Machines
Parq Casino Vancouver Plans Major Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
Parq Casino in downtown Vancouver has put forward a proposal to boost its gaming capacity by adding 300 slot machines. This expansion would increase the total machines from 600 to 900, representing a 50% growth in their slot machine offerings. The casino aims to better accommodate the rising demand for gambling entertainment in the city.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
In its submission to local authorities, Parq Casino highlighted that it currently has the lowest density of slot machines compared to other casinos in the Lower Mainland. The casino also noted that many Vancouver residents are gambling outside city limits, with approximately two-thirds of local gambling revenue spent elsewhere.
The current gaming setup reflects the capacity inherited from the former Edgewater Casino, which operated with 600 slot machines and 75 table games but had not expanded its offerings for years. Since Parq replaced Edgewater, the gaming floor size has remained the same despite the city’s population growth, which has risen significantly from around 560,000 to 700,000 in Vancouver itself, and from 2.1 million to over 3 million in the greater metropolitan region. Increased tourism has further intensified the need for expanded casino facilities.
Details and Implementation of the Expansion
The proposed increase of 300 additional slot machines will not require any structural changes to the casino building. The 72,000-square-foot space over two floors provides ample room to accommodate the expansion, particularly with a spacious second floor. If approved, the rollout of new machines would take place gradually over one to two years.
While the current floor space could potentially support up to 1,200 slot machines, doubling the current inventory, Parq Casino is only pursuing an increase to 900 machines at this time. This proposal follows recent policy changes by Vancouver’s city council, which have loosened restrictions on casino expansions, making it easier for such growth projects to proceed.
Economic Impact and Increased Tax Revenue for Vancouver
Under provincial regulations, municipalities receive 10% of the net gambling revenue generated by casinos within their boundaries annually. For the fiscal year 2023/2024, the City of Vancouver collected $6 million from Parq Casino’s operations. With the proposed addition of 300 slot machines, the city expects an increased revenue boost estimated between $2.7 million and $3.1 million over the next three years.
Since 1999 through to the 2023/2024 fiscal period, Vancouver has accumulated $159.1 million in casino-generated revenues. In just the last three fiscal years, combined earnings from Parq Casino and the Hastings Racecourse and Casino have brought in $19.3 million, underscoring the economic significance of gambling facilities in the area.
