Rideau Carleton Raceway's desire to open a bingo hall cleared another hurdle after a city committee recommended a licence be granted - despite opposition from other Ottawa bingo operators.

The community and protective services committee approved a report this week to support the Raceway's efforts with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, which regulates bingo operations.

While 3,400 people signed a petition in support of Rideau Carleton's bingo plan, a number of existing local bingo halls and affiliated charities have expressed concern.

A consultant's study reported that other Ottawa bingo halls face closure, but not as a result of a potential new facility at Rideau Carleton's Albion Road complex.

Rideau Carleton Raceway initially applied to the AGCO in December 2008.

In recent years, the number of bingo halls in the capital has shrunk from 11 to four. Now, operators say they won't be able to compete with a new one.

While dozens of charities such as Sobriety House rely on the revenues bingos generate, those at the Rideau Carleton Raceway say their bingo hall will attract players from a wider geographical area and won't be a direct competitor.