As many probably know, city council just approved the building of a new and larger downtown casino. It's true I have opposed every expansion of gambling / gaming that has come before council since I have sat at the table. I have been concerned about the social ills that come with gaming - most notably gaming addictions.
But, I also know that gaming is an adult activity and most people who partake do so responsibly. I also know the gaming generates large revenues for community groups and for city hall.
I was trying to formulate in my head what would tip that balance for me. What would give me comfort that expanded access to gaming in Kamloops is a net positive, as opposed to a net negative?
BC Lotteries offers services to about 5000 people who self identify with gaming problems. That's out of a total estimated population in BC of 120 000 problem gamblers. So, our success rate with helping people with these types of issues is a little more than 4%. That seems too low to me, and that's ultimately why I voted no on the upcoming expansion.
I wonder if it might be an idea to set some sort of benchmark - say 10% helped next year - and base my positive vote on that. Or maybe that is too simplistic, leaving out things like the actual cost of the positives and negatives, the entertainment value of gaming, the economic development spinoffs, etc etc.
This from a man that just went to Vegas, how rich.
Posted by: Quimby | October 09, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Quimby, whats the issue my friend?
First, I think my post indicates an open mindedness to gaming in our community.
Second, and following on from the first, I did play $20 or $30 bucks in slots while in Vegas. But, I spent much more time enjoying the other stuff Vegas has to offer - shows, meals, shopping.
Could you be a bit more detailed in how you see my stance as being "rich"? Maybe I a missing something.
Posted by: Arjun Singh | October 11, 2008 at 01:17 PM
....so you're against gaming expansion but you have no problem letting the city take the annual 2.5 million towards the city coffers from LCC.
hEY THAT $ TO END HOMELESSNESS HAS TO COME FROM SOMEWHERE!
;-)
Posted by: Dead Snoopy | October 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM