Problem gambling getting worse in BC
Posted October 16, 2013 4:57 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – In an effort to cut down on problem gambling, there may be some changes coming to a casino near you.
BC’s top doctor is making 17 recommendations to help those who are struggling.
Dr. Perry Kendall is suggesting the availability of high-risk electronic gaming machines and high-risk gambling options should be reduced. He is also recommending the amount of alcohol in gaming facilities be restricted and reduced.
Kendall says while problem gambling is not a major issue now, it could be soon. “It clearly creates a recognizable conflict, potential conflict of interest, between the needs for revenue generation and the needs and responsibilities to maintain health and social standards.”
He says many problem gamblers don’t seek help for their addiction.
“It could involve mandating player pre-commitments or prohibiting automated teller machines and we recommend allocating at least 1.5 per cent of the revenues to gambling prevention and problem gambling treatment. We do recognize that some of these recommendations might inconvenience non-problem gamblers,” he suggests.
While Kendall admits this could inconvenience people without gambling issues it is important to consider in the interest of public health and safety.”Three-point-seven per cent are classified to have a moderate risk and .9 per cent are problem gamblers.”
Vancouver Not Vegas is also calling for casino’s to start keeping bar hours to cut down on problem gambling. “We’re taking their money and we’re not giving anything back to them. We’re not even giving them the resepect and decency to respect this terrible, terrible problem that they have,” says Sandy Garossino with the group.
Garossino doesn’t think the report goes far enough.
Between 2002 and 2007, the number of people in BC with the most severe form of problem gambling more than doubled, increasing from approximately 13,000 people to more than 31,000 people.
