Alberta is easing the restrictions on how charities make use of the gaming funds.
Registered charities in the province have been able to register and raise funds through events such as casinos through licences granted by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, (AGLC) however, the use of those funds has always been fairly restrictive.
In changes announced on March 10, Minister Dale Nally announced that the province is cutting restrictions, and red tape, for charities surrounding the use of these funds.
"Alberta’s charitable groups are the backbone of our communities," said Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. "By giving them greater flexibility in how they use funds raised through licensed charitable gaming, we’re not just cutting red tape—we’re empowering them to continue delivering vital services and support to Albertans.”
The changes being implemented will be effective April 1, when AGLC Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook is updated.
Changes include:
- Groups can retain proceeds up to $50,000 without AGLC approval (previously $10,000).
- Charitable groups can now use $100,000 of gaming proceeds to conduct community events without AGLC approval.
- The limit for administrative expenses has increased to 30 per cent from 20 per cent.
- Approvals for all travel have been eliminated.
- The limit for facility renovations and leasehold improvements without approval has been increased to $100,000 from $50,000.
"Alberta’s unique charitable gaming model supports over 23,000 charities in their work every year," said Kandice Machado, the chief executive officer of AGLC. "The added flexibility in how charitable groups can use their earnings will help them continue to make a real difference for Albertans and communities throughout our province.”
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, AGLC provided around 3,450 charity licenses for casino events which raised the charities over $276.9 million.
During the same fiscal year, more than $1.5 billion of gaming revenue was added to the province's General Revenue Fund.
