Item - 2012.GM14.11

Tracking Status

This item was considered by Government Management Committee on May 24, 2012. The Government Management Committee has referred this item to an official or other body without making a decision. Consult the text of the decision for further information on the referral.

GM14.11 - Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization Initiative

Decision Type:: ACTION

Status:: Referred

Wards:: All

Committee Decision

The Government Management Committee:

1. Referred the item back to the City Clerk with the request that she continue discussions with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) on a form of agreement satisfactory to the City of Toronto, particularly with regard to the following:

a. the length of the term of agreement with the OLG which is effectively sixteen years without an opt-out clause for the City;

b. a method to mitigate the decline in City revenues from bingo halls over the last several years;

and requested that a report be brought back to Government Management Committee no later than the late fall of 2012.

Origin

(May 2, 2012) Report from the City Clerk

Summary

The purpose of this report is to obtain Council direction on whether the City should enter into an agreement with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to permit electronic bingo and other games in Toronto bingo halls, the proceeds of which will be used for charitable purposes.

The OLG has introduced the Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization Initiative (the Initiative) aimed at preserving and enhancing the bingo industry and sustaining revenues for local charities. The Initiative allows for the transformation of Ontario bingo halls into charitable gaming centres through the introduction of a new interactive environment with electronic gaming products provided by the OLG. Hall operators, charities and the City would need to enter into a multi-year agreement (8 years with 2 automatic 4 year renewals) with the OLG for the provision of services.

If Council agrees to participate in the Initiative, the hall operators will also need to submit a formal zoning review application to determine whether such use is permitted.

Background Information

(May 2, 2012) Report from the City Clerk on Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization Initiative
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/gm/bgrd/backgroundfile-47042.pdf
(May 2, 2012) Attachments A to I on Charitable Bingo and Gaming Revitalization Initiative
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2012/gm/bgrd/backgroundfile-47043.pdf

Communications

(May 14, 2012) Letter from Maggie Knap, Executive Director, York West Active Living Centre (GM.New.GM14.11.1)

Speakers

Gail FitzPatrick, Administrator, Dolphin Bingo Sponsor's Association
John FitzPatrick, Dolphin Bingo Sponsor's Association
Maggie Knap, York West Active Living Centre (Submission Filed)
Troy Bolton, President, Delta Bingo St. Clair Sponsor's Association
Cameron Johnstone, Delta Bingo
Betty McKendrick , Bingo Administrator, Multiple Scerosis Society Canada - Scarborough Chapter

Motions

Motion to Refer Item moved by Councillor Paul Ainslie (Carried)

That the item be referred back to the City Clerk with the request that she continue discussions with the OLG on a form of agreement satisfactory to the City of Toronto, particularly with regard to the following:

a. the length of the term of agreement with the OLG which is effectively sixteen years without an opt-out clause for the City;