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Another side to Gambling/Gaming in BC

Another side to Gambling/Gaming in BC. Check their website: www.bclc.com/cm/AboutBCLC/CorporateReports.htm. Facts:. Gambling/gaming has increased dramatically in BC since the current Liberal provincial government assumed office in May, 2001 . Facts:. ･ Slot machines operating in BC

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Another side to Gambling/Gaming in BC

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  1. Another side toGambling/Gaming in BC

  2. Check their website:www.bclc.com/cm/AboutBCLC/CorporateReports.htm

  3. Facts: • Gambling/gaming has increased dramatically in BC since the current Liberal provincial government assumed office in May, 2001

  4. Facts: • ･Slot machines operating in BC • 1997 – none 1998 – 850 • 2001 – 2,399 2002 – 2,999 • 2003 – 3,304 2004 – 3,832 • 2005 – 5,281 2006 – 8,081 Slot machines

  5. Facts: • Total Revenue Generated: • March 31, 2001 - $554.6 million • March 31, 2002 - $598.2 million • March 31, 2003 - $663.2 million • March 31, 2004 - $720.0 million • March 31, 2005 - $810.9 million Data from the BCLC Annual Reports

  6. Facts: • Total Revenue Generated: • March 31, 2006 - $914.4 million • March 31, 2007 - $1,010.4 million • March 31, 2008 - $1,088.9 million • March 31, 2009 – $1,094 million Data from the BCLC Annual Reports

  7. Facts: That equals to an increase of: • $66 million per year (averaged) Or • Almostdoublein 9 years! millions

  8. Justification: • The stated goal of the BC Liberal government is to continue permitting the gambling/gaming industry and the BCLC to expand operations until government revenues reach their optimum level as established by the market place.

  9. Justification: • “BCLC is in the entertainment business, and consumers today are being offered an ever-increasing range of entertainment choices in an increasingly global marketplace” Annual Report (2006) BCLC Chair John McLernon

  10. Partnerships for Responsible Gambling: A shared initiative of: • Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (Minister Rich Coleman) • BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) • Gaming service-providers (Casinos and other like-businesses) • Local municipal governments

  11. Intention of Partnership for Responsible Gambling • “to help reduce the harmful impacts of excessive gambling and encourage responsible gambling and healthy choices.” • News Flash!  (as of September 27, 2009) - headline in the Times Colonist - "Problem gambling funding cut by $2.4 million".  The  BC Liberal Government has cut funding to the Responsible Gambling Strategy and the Problem Gambling Program by 34 percent this year, from $7 million to $4.6 million.  That is for all educational, prevention and treatment programs offered by the BCLC.

  12. Mandate of Partnership for Responsible Gambling • Responsibility lies with the individual gambler. • BCLC and the Gaming Policy & Enforcement is only responsibility “to warn of possible risks”.

  13. Additional Facts: British Columbia Problem Gambling Prevalence Study, December, 2002, estimated that: • 85% of the adult (18+) populationparticipates in some form of gaming/gambling • In Greater Victoria that equates to280,000 people gambling or gaming

  14. Additional Facts: And further: • 4.6% become “problem gamblers” • Or: 12,903 problem gamblers in Greater Victoria ( as of 2002 stats) • And that was before Internet Gambling was introduced by BCLC! • News Flash (September 27/09) - The BC Lottery Corporation announced last month that gamblers can now bet $9,999 a week on its PlayNow Internet site - more than 80 times the previous limit of $120.  

  15. Additional Facts: Promotion: • BCLC (a Crown Corp.) actively advertises and promotes gambling and gaming • Liquor Control Board (also a Crown Corp.) is not allowed to advertise or promote the use of alcohol

  16. Stated objectives of the Ministry of Housing & Social Dev’t, Minister Responsible for Gaming (the Hon. Rich Coleman): The Mandate of the Ministry of Housing & Social Development

  17. “to work to ensure the safety of all British Columbians, thereby contributing to a strong foundation for the realization of the ‘Five Great Goals’ … through addiction prevention and treatment efforts in our correctional facilities and our communities; protective programs and specialized victim services programs for various groups, including at-risk children.”

  18. What can be done?

  19. What can be done? 1. Send a letter or an email of protest/concern to the Honorable Rich Coleman, stating your community’s objections to the government’s course of action regarding gambling/gaming in the province. P.O. Box 9053, Stn Prov Govt Victoria, BC V8W 9E2 Telephone: 250 356-7717 Fax: 250 356-8270 http://www.gov.bc.ca/pssg/

  20. What can be done?! 2. Send a copy, with a covering letter,to Premier Gordon Campbell to reinforce your concerns. PO BOX 9041 STN PROV GOVT Victoria BC V8W 9E1 Telephone:250 387-1715 Facsimile:250 387-0087 http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem

  21. What can be done?! 3. Urge individuals, congregations, assemblies, gathered communities to become informed regarding the issue and to take similar action as above.

  22. What can be done?! 4. Meet with individual MLAs to present your concerns and objections to the current situation.

  23. What YOU can do!

  24. What YOU can do! • If you believe it is causing harm to individuals, families and communities then let Minister Rich Coleman and Premier Gordon Campbell know.

  25. What YOU can do! Act now and reduce the harm!

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