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Manitoba Hotels, Bars Push For Increased Gambling

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – As reported by the Canadian Press: "Manitoba hotel and bar owners, fearing a big drop in business if a proposed provincewide smoking ban goes ahead, want to offer more gambling to keep customers coming.

"The Manitoba Hotel Association predicts many smokers will stay home if the province enacts a ban on smoking in all indoor public places as of next October. The recommendation comes from an all-party government committee.

"…The association, which represents hundreds of hotels and licensed establishments, wants to give people another reason to visit local watering holes -- more gambling. In particular, they want the right to operate video lottery terminals on Sundays.

"…Unlike other provinces, Manitoba does not allow bars to run VLTs on Sundays. In casinos, however, the electronic gambling machines can run seven days a week.

"The hotel association is also asking for the right to offer new games such as keno -- a bingo-style numbers game that is usually played on a big screen.

"…The government agency reported its net revenues in Winnipeg from video lottery terminals and the city's two casinos dropped five per cent in the six weeks following the introduction of a municipal smoking ban Sept. 1.

"Even the all-party committee that has recommended the provincewide ban has acknowledged there will likely be an economic impact…"

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