Posted: Apr 26, 2021 6:00 AM MT | Last Updated: April 26
Casinos in Alberta have been closed for most of the pandemic. Groups that rely on charitable gaming revenue from casino events have been trying to raise funds in other ways.(nazarovsergey/Shutterstock)
The closure of casinos in Alberta is affecting not just the operators bottom lines but also hundreds of charities and First Nations that depend on gaming revenue.
During casino events, volunteers from sports teams, veterans groups, non-profits and community leagues exchange their labour for a portion of casino revenues. In 2019, that revenue share amounted to $168 million.
Many groups have seen their casino events postponed and future events are up in the air.