Another side toGambling/Gaming in BC

Another side toGambling/Gaming in BC

Social Action/Justice CommitteeProgram Division

Victoria Presbytery

Another side toGambling/Gaming in BC

“Faith communities learning about the true picture of gambling/gaming in BC and witnessing and acting according to their principles and beliefs.”

Facts: Gambling/gaming has increased

dramatically in BC since the current Liberal provincial government assumed office in May, 2001

Facts: Slot machines･Slot machines operating in BC

1997 – none 1998 – 8502001 – 2,399 2002 – 2,9992003 – 3,304 2004 – 3,8322005 – 5,281 2006 – 8,081

0100020003000400050006000700080009000

1

19971998200120022003200420052006

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 million March 31, 2005 - $810.9 million March 31, 2006 - $914.4 million March 31, 2007 - $1,010.4 million

Data from the BCLC Annual Reports

Facts:That equals to an increase of: $76 million per year (averaged)or 82%!

$0

$200

$400

$600

$800

$1,000

$1,200

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007millions

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.

Annual Report (2006)BCLC Chair John McLernon

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

Partnerships for Responsible Gambling:A shared initiative of: Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch

(Minister John Les) BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) Gaming service-providers (Casinos and

other like-businesses) Local municipal governments

Intention of Partnership for Responsible Gambling

“to help reduce the harmful impacts of excessive gambling and encourage responsible gambling and healthy choices.”

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”.

Additional Facts:British Columbia Problem Gambling Prevalence Study,

December, 2002, estimated that: 85% of the adult (18+) population

participates in some form of gaming/gambling

In Greater Victoria that equates to 280,000 people gambling or gaming

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!

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

Additional Facts:Promotions in 2003-04: BCLC allocated $13.8m for advertising

and promotion Casino industry spent $5.6m BCLC only allocated $4 million (0.5%) for

education, prevention and treatment of problem gamblers

Stated objectives of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (the Hon. John Les):

The Mandate of the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General

“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.”

What can be done?

What can be done?1. Send a letter or an email

of protest/concern to the Honorable John Les, stating your faith 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 9E2Telephone: 250 356-7717 Fax: 250 356-8270http://www.gov.bc.ca/pssg/

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 9E1Telephone:250 387-1715Facsimile:250 387-0087http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem

What can be done?!3. Urge individuals, congregations,

assemblies, gathered communities to become informed regarding the issue and to take similar action as above.

What can be done?!4. Meet with individual MLAs to present

your concerns and objections to the current situation.

What YOU can do!

What YOU can do! If you believe it is causing harm to

individuals, families and communities then let Minister John Les and Premier Gordon Campbell know.

What YOU can do!

Act now and reduce the harm!

What YOU can do!

Act now and reduce the harm!

Social Action/Justice CommitteeProgram Division

Victoria Presbytery