Slot Machine ‘Epidemic’ Spreads in British Colombia

It seems that all over the world, there are people that are for slot machines, and there are people against slot machines. As with any issue under the sun, there will be people on each side of the argument, and as with any decision or legislation that is passed by their government, there is absolutely no way to make everybody on both sides happy. That’s what is going on with the slot machine debate in British Colombia these days.

The B.C. Liberals promised that they would not allow the number of slots to rise irresponsibly. Gordon Campbell, a government figure, promised to “stop the expansion of gambling that has increased gambling addiction and put new strains on families.” However, those who are against him argue that those were just empty words that were meant to appease the crowd and get him in office.

With the latest approval for even more slot machines to be installed in Newton’s bingo hall, many citizens feel disillusioned and discouraged by the direction that their government is taking them. Just in the numbers, since Campbell was elected, the number of slots in the county more than tripled, going up from 2,4000 to 9,000. Clearly not a way to make the conservative folks happy with the progress.

Even though gaming often brings in revenue for the state, and provides a way around raising taxes or charging more for public services and facilities, many people are still completely against casinos. And even though it could be argued that gambling is not a healthy pastime, or it doesn’t set a positive example for kids, slots lovers are not about to give up one of their favorite things to do. This is one issue that is not even near coming to a close.

Back to July 2008 Archive.