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Gambling Critics: Alberta to Become Casino Land North

"The province already boasts 16 casinos -- the second highest number in Canada. Proposals for several new ones are expected in the new year, including at least two from First Nations communities outside Edmonton and Calgary and a third near Whitecourt.

"…[New Democrat Leader] Pannu said gambling affects all of society because it is often the people who can least afford it who become addicted.

"…Garry Rohr, an Alberta policy analyst with the Canada Family Action Coalition, is also worried.

"`It is in my opinion a little premature (to increase the number of gambling casinos) in light of the fact that we haven't seen a serious attempt at identifying the social costs,' he says.

" Alberta Gaming Minister Ron Stevens concedes there is a lot of interest in building or expanding casinos, but they are expensive propositions so it is hard to gauge how many will become reality.

"…Following a 20-month review of gaming policies, the province also announced plans to consolidate video lottery terminals in gaming rooms in hotels -- a move the Liberal critic calls a precursor to establishing mini-casinos in rural communities throughout the province.

"…Researchers and problem gambling officials say electronic gaming machines like VLTs and slot machines are the most addictive form of gambling.

"Alberta pumps more than $4 million annually into gambling research and treatment, but Ralph McNabb, Alberta executive director of the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling, says it is not nearly enough…"

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