Canadian Gambling Research Will Be First Ever
Alberta has more gamblers per capita than almost anywhere else in Canada. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission estimates 82 per cent of adult Albertans gamble, losing on average about $800 a year.
Calgary has six casinos, the highest number per capita of any metropolitan area in the country other than Edmonton. The city also boasts 230 places where people can play VLT machines, a horse-racing track and has numerous high-profile lotteries.
"In Calgary, probably within four minutes of leaving your house you can sit in front of a VLT machine," said Hodgins.
With accessibility comes problems. About one per cent of Albertans are pathological gamblers, unable to control their habit, forgetting their losses. Three per cent are classified as problem gamblers.
Last year, several people went to jail across Alberta for stealing money to feed their addictions.
The five-year study will focus on all forms of gambling lottery tickets, casinos, horse racing, sports betting, VLTs, bingo halls and raffles as well as all levels of gambling, from serious to social.
"There is a lot of interest in gaining a better understanding of both social and problem gambling," said Hodgins. "There are a lot of strong opinions on gambling, but very little data."
June 23, 2006
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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