Vancouver Considering Rezoning Application to Add 300 Slot Machines to Casino
Posted on: September 4, 2025, 03:19h.
Last updated on: September 4, 2025, 03:20h.
- Going to 900 slot machines will help Parq Casino Vancouver meet community demand
- City staff reviewing rezoning application with public input then it goes to city council
A rezoning application submitted to the City of Vancouver looks to dramatically increase the number of slot machines at Parq Casino Vancouver.
Meeting Demand
The application hasn’t been presented to council yet as staff are currently reviewing it and seeking public input.
Parq Casino Vancouver is looking to increase the maximum permitted slot machines from 600 to 900. The proposal contains no changes to the building, located at 39 Smithe St. in downtown Vancouver.
In the application, Parq Casino says it is not meeting existing player demand. The population of Vancouver has grown 22% since 2011.
They are also looking to meet tourist, and non-resident demands during high-traffic events, or special events in the city. That includes the NHL’s Canucks, CFL’s Lions, music concerts downtown, plus the 2026 World Cup.
High-Traffic Site
More slot machines will mean more revenue to the city. Municipal and First Nation governments in B.C. that host a gambling facility in their community typically receive a 10 per cent share of the net gambling income it generates each year.
As per BCLC’s Community Impact Report 2023/24, the City of Vancouver received $6.225 million in 2022/23 and $6.020 million in 2023/24 in Host Local Government payments. Additionally, Parq Vancouver paid $3.03 million in municipal taxes to the City in 2023/24.
The land is owned by BC Pavilion Corporation and leased to Parq Holdings Limited Partnership. The resort features two luxury hotels, a 60,000 square foot conference centre, five restaurants, three lounges, retail space and the two-floor casino. One of the floors serves as an entrance from the concourse of the BC Place Stadium.
Revenue Flowing Out of the City
In the application, the casino owners said, “about two-thirds of gambling revenue from Vancouver residents is flowing out of Vancouver to other lower mainland facilities.”
In 2017, Parq’s casino license was moved from Edgewater Casino on False Creek to the current location. As well as the 600 slot machines, the casino has 75 table games. The new location on Smithe has 72,000 square feet across its two floors, with room to handle 1,200 slot machines. The expansion to 900 slot machines would be accommodated within the existing zoned gaming floor.
No comments yet