2. Another side to Gambling/Gaming in BC

3. Social Action/Justice Committee Program Division Victoria Presbytery

4. Another side to Gambling/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.”

5. Facts: Gambling/gaming has increased dramatically in BC since the current Liberal provincial government assumed office in May, 2001

6. Facts: Slot machines  ･ Slot machines operating in BC 1997 – none 1998 – 850 2001 – 2,3992002 – 2,999 2003 – 3,3042004 – 3,832 2005 – 5,2812006 – 8,081  ･ Slot machines operating in BC 1997 – none 1998 – 850 2001 – 2,3992002 – 2,999 2003 – 3,3042004 – 3,832 2005 – 5,2812006 – 8,081

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Intention of Partnership for Responsible Gambling “to help reduce the harmful impacts of excessive gambling and encourage responsible gambling and healthy choices.”

13. 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”.

14. 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

15. 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!

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. “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.”

20. What can be done?

21. 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 9E2 Telephone: 250 356-7717 Fax: 250 356-8270 http://www.gov.bc.ca/pssg/

22. 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 9E1 Telephone:250 387-1715 Facsimile:250 387-0087 http://www.gov.bc.ca/prem

23. What can be done?! 3.Urge individuals, congregations, assemblies, gathered communities to become informed regarding the issue and to take similar action as above.

24. What can be done?! 4.Meet with individual MLAs to present your concerns and objections to the current situation.

25. What YOU can do!

26. If you believe it is causing harm to individuals, families and communities then let Minister John Les and Premier Gordon Campbell know.

27. What YOU can do! Act now and reduce the harm!

28. What YOU can do! Act now and reduce the harm!

29. Social Action/Justice Committee Program Division Victoria Presbytery