SEARCH NEWS:

 

Casinos Wager On Gambling Boom

"…Gross gambling revenue in Alberta has grown from less than $600 million in 1995-96 to $855 million for the last fiscal year.

"VLTs brought in the lion's share, $525 million, while slot machines earned $174.5 million and various types of tickets garnered $156 million. Charities were expected to get $163 million of that.

"…Frank Sisson, who owns the Silver Dollar Casino, hopes to double the 250 slot machines he has now and provide more live entertainment.

"….Casino owners such as Sisson have their eye on the future, which could include up to four native-run casinos, including one on Calgary's southwest border operated by the Tsuu T'ina Nation.

"…Although the government remains tight-lipped on the possible new rules, an Alberta Gaming spokesman said native casinos will have to follow the so-called "charitable model," where a large portion of profits go to charities.

"…In July, Liberal gaming critic Percy Wickman said he sympathized with the natives `who feel they deserve their fair share of the cash cow.'

"`At the same time, I don't want to see any further expansion. . . . The addictive nature of casinos affects a good portion of the population, not just aboriginals."'

"About two per cent of Albertans, or more than 39,000 residents, are "probable pathological gamblers," according to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission…"

< Gaming News