History
The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) was established in 1923 via the Liquor Control Act to control the sale of alcoholic beverages in Manitoba. The Act empowered the commission to buy, import, and sell liquor; control the possession, sale and transportation of liquor; and to establish liquor outlets throughout the province.[3] In 1982, MLCC opened the first duty-free liquor store in Canada, outside of an airport in Emerson.[3]
In 1984, responsibility over the operation of all casinos and distribution of lottery tickets and bingo paper was assumed by Manitoba Lotteries Foundation, who acquired 3 full-time bingo halls in Winnipeg (including Bonanza Bingo and Pot O’Gold Bingo Hall). Five years later, in 1989, Crystal Casino opened in the Hotel Fort Garry, becoming the first continental-style casino in North America and the first year-round government-operated casino in Canada.[3]
The Manitoba Lotteries Foundation became a crown corporation in 1993, re-establishing itself as the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation (MLC), with responsibility over regulating all gambling in the province, as well as operating the McPhillips Station Casino and Club Regent Casino in Winnipeg. In 1999, Crystal Casino closed while the two remaining casinos were renovated and expanded in time for the 13th Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg.[3]
In 2001, The Liquor Control Act was amended to allow for the sale of liquor on Sundays. On 15 February 2002, the Aseneskak Casino officially opened, on Opaskwayak Cree Nation near The Pas. The second First Nations casino in Manitoba followed on 28 May 2005 with the South Beach Casino.[3]
In 2013, partnering with True North Sports & Entertainment, MLC opened the Shark Club Gaming Centre—a sports bar, grill and gaming centre—in Cityplace mall. On 22 June 2014 came the opening of Sand Hills Casino, the third First Nations casino in Manitoba.[3]
On 1 April 2014, the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation Act and the Manitoba Liquor and Gaming Control Act came into effect, wherein most of the powers of both MLCC and MLC were assumed by the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation. More specifically, the acts transferred regulatory oversight for liquor from the MLCC to the new Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba, while combining the sale and distribution of liquor and gambling products under MBLL.[3]
