Finance and Economic Development Committee

WHEREAS best practices have been identified that can help casinos and other gaming sites reduce the risk for problem gambling as part of their planning and day-to-day operations; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Finance and Economic Development Committee recommend that City Council inform the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) that the City of Ottawa recommends that the successful proponent arising from the OLG’s Request for Proposal process for the zone including the City of Ottawa implement the following as public health measures intended to reduce the risk of problem gambling: 1. Limit hours of casino operation: no 24-hour access to venues, closed at least 6 hours per day; 2. Restrict the number of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and slowing down machine speed of play and prohibit features that promote false beliefs of the odds of winning; 3. Eliminate casino loyalty programs; 4. Prohibit ATMs on the gambling floor; 5. Prohibit casino credit and holding accounts; 6. Reduce maximum bet size; 7. Mandate a daily loss maximum; 8. Implement strong casino self-exclusion programs, including a mandatory player card system; 9. Issue monthly individual patron statements which include full membership medians and averages to compare against personal record of loss, frequency and duration of play; and 10. Designate areas for alcohol purchase and not providing alcohol service on casino floors to reduce impaired judgement.

WHEREAS at its meeting of October 10th, 2012, Council approved that the Mayor send a letter to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (“OLG”) to “consider providing an opportunity for the Rideau Carleton Raceway to be pre-qualified to take part in the final bidding process, given their strong record of success in the Ottawa Region.”; and WHEREAS on July 17th, 2013, Council