Vancouver’s ruling ABC party has voted to loosen the city’s long-standing moratorium on gambling expansions – against the recommendation of health officials, and despite calls to wait and gather feedback from the public.
ABC councillors Mike Klassen, Lisa Dominato, Rebecca Bligh, Peter Meiszner and Lenny Zhou approved a staff recommendation Wednesday to welcome new applications from the B.C. Lottery Corporation to increase the number of slot machines and gaming tables available at the Parq Casino and Hastings Racecourse.
The amended moratorium – which previously barred council from even considering such applications – still prevents the construction of any new casinos within city limits.
