Mediation Role Play: Casino Proposal

Role: Mediator

Facts:You have been asked to mediate a dispute between the City of Brockton and the Lottery and Gaming Commission (LGC). The LGC is an organization set up by the provincial government to run all gaming-related industries in the province, such as lotteries and casinos. Proceeds earned by the LGC are paid to the provincial government and to various charities, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations. The LGC earns billions of dollars in revenue for the province each year.

The LGC would like to increase its revenue by opening a casino in the City of Brockton. The commission believes the casino would provide hundreds of well-paying jobs, draw tourism, and add to the local economy. The LGC points to successful examples of casinos being built in other cities in the province.

However, the residents of the City of Brockton are opposed to the casino being built in their city. They do not believe the LGC's claims that a casino would financially benefit the region. Instead, they believe a casino will create social ills, and detract from the region rather than contribute to it.

The City of Brockton and the LGC agree to mediation. The city sends a councillor and the LGC sends one of its board members to meet with you.

as a mediator what is your best possible situation that can accommodate both parties