An announcement coming from the Ontario government regarding the knot tying of new casinos and racetrack slot operations, has disappointed a watchdog group, fearing to fall out from the warm niche of state-sponsored gambling. Video lottery terminal poised in bars and restaurants, slot machines in bingo halls and any provincial Internet gambling involvement were also ruled out. The Government reasoning stems from its concern for the gambling problems and its desire at the same time to sustain the economically advantageous position which gambling industry provides.
Economic Development Minister Joe Cordiano has mentioned, however that facilities which were built on the border areas should get an upgrade in order to intensify the competition and two racetrack slot facilities at Picov Downs in Ajax and Quinte Exhibition Raceway in Belleville that have already been planned will be allowed to proceed.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp that is responsible for commercial casinos, six charity casinos and slot machine operations were behind the report. Last year, a study financed by the government found that 35 percent of the of the industry's $3.26 billion (U.S.) in gross revenue comes from the 5 percent of customers with a moderate to severe gambling addiction. The minister will be dealing with these issues in the upcoming spring. The government has decided to slice about 2 percent of slot machine proceeds to deal with gambling problems. The gaming corporation in return has accepted the expansion limiting strategy the government embarked upon and said it is now up to them to put it into realization.
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| Source: gamblingsmart news writer
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Monday, 24 January 2005 |
Sunday, July 20 2008 
