Statistics Canada presents the current numbers surrounding gambling in Canada. In the report we see gambling as an industry with revenue levels plateauing around 2007, very few unionized jobs (contrary to what the lobbyists tell us) and a high level of gender pay inequality. Furthermore, gambling proves to carry a greater financial burden on those [...]
This report will not add to the already overly abundant collection of completely meaningless numbers that are being thrown around and at the citizens of Toronto and Ontario. Rather, this report will ask questions — most of which have gone unanswered and unaddressed so far during this process. If the city of Toronto decides it wants to allow a casino in the [...]
A new casino in Toronto could have important community impacts which affect the health and well being of individuals, families and communities. Some of these health well-being impacts are primarily positive (improve health) others, primarily negative (worsen health). A review of available evidence, largely from other jurisdictions, indicates that evidence, increased employment and income, if [...]
This document serves to summarize the findings of a preliminary analysis of the transportation impacts of the proposed downtown Toronto mega casino. The primary cause for concern with regard to this development proposal from a transportation perspective is the enormous magnitude of the casino development and the alarming lack of consideration placed on accommodating the [...]
The key findings of this report suggest that problem gambling increases with access to a casino, therefore any expansion in gambling access in the GTA over and above current levels will likely increase problem gambling rates and the associated health risks for Toronto and nearby communities. Consideration of the potential negative health impacts of establishing [...]
Increased availability and accessibility of gambling in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including new casinos or slot machines, will likely result in an increase in the prevalence of problem gambling in Toronto. Availability and accessibility of gambling opportunities has a strong association with problem gambling. Proximity to a gambling venue is a determinant of problem [...]
While the majority of Ontarians gambled without problems, a significant number experienced problems related to their gambling. In this study, 2.6% had moderate gambling problems and 0.8% had severe gambling problems. This translated to approximately 253,857 individuals with moderate problems and 78,110 with severe gambling problems in the province of Ontario. The rates of moderate [...]
Rates of substance abuse, mental health problems, and delinquency among adolescent problem gamblers appear to be very high. Our results confirm the results of other studies in demonstrating high rates of substance problems among adolescent problem gamblers (e.g., Barnes et al., 2005; Derevensky & Gupta, 2000), and provide a clear indication of the extent of [...]
Proposed expansion of gambling opportunities is a topic of concern in many communities. This Q&A is intended to inform and stimulate discussion about gambling expansion and its associated public health concerns. What are OLG’s plans for expansion? • Two key areas of change are to: “expand regulated private sector delivery of lottery and gaming” and [...]
Robert Simpson, former CEO of the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, presents a very detailed report on the status of problem gambling in Ontario. “For problem drinkers, a night of unrestrained excess seldom causes enduring consequences, let alone the potential for life-long harm. For problem gamblers, however, a session of unrestrained excess can extend over [...]
Statistics Canada data gathered by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre shows gender inequality greater in gambling jobs than national average. While non-gambling jobs hourly pay sees female to male pay ratio of .87, gambling jobs sits significantly below at .78 Read full report Here
“When gambling merely transfers dollars from one pocket to another without creating a tangible product we are made poorer.” Read the full report here
“Problem and pathological gambling affects not only the problem or pathological gambler and his or her family but also broader society. Such costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect” Read the full report here
“Multiplier effects then ripple throughout the overall economy. But just because a gambling project creates a lot of jobs and a large facility is built doesn’t mean the economic impacts are positive. Non-economic impacts such as social costs are usually intangible, difficult to measure, and on balance negative.” “Another criticism of gaming is that it [...]
“Using data from every U.S. county from 1977 to 1996 and controlling for over 50 variables to examine the impact of casinos on the seven FBI Index I crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and auto theft), we concluded that casinos increased all crimes except murder… These effects outweigh the potentially positive effects [...]
“Increased demand for public services from individuals negatively impacted by problem gambling can decrease overall quality of services…Furthermore, the maintenance of physical infrastructure (e.g., roads, utilities, sewage) is also usually a government responsibility, and a new gambling venue puts added stress on this physical infrastructure because of the increased patronage of the area.” “There are [...]
“Most casinos would not bring in tourists to the area and become a destination gambling location the likes of Las Vegas. Rather, most communities will be dealing with a situation of convenience where local people will be mainly coming from the surrounding area…” Read the full report here
“No one knows exactly how many compulsive gamblers end up taking their own lives in Canada. The Canada Safety Council believes the number is over 200 a year. For every suicide, five gamblers with self-inflicted injuries could end up in hospital. Gambling addiction is also linked to a range of other serious personal and social [...]
• Problem gamblers negatively affect an average of 10 to 17 people around them, including family, friends, and employers. • In 2002 in Saskatchewan, 26% of problem gamblers reported not purchasing needed food or groceries, 13% reported not paying medical, dental, or eye care bills, 8.7% reported not paying credit cards, bank loans, or other [...]