Gambling as a source of revenue for governments

The number of VLTs in bars and lounges was reduced from 10 to a maximum of 7 per license. Surplus machines were reallocated to reduce the backlog of applications. Overall, the number of VLTs operating in Alberta has been reduced from 6,000 to about 5,700. The cap is flexible and managed. No other issue generated as much discussion at the public hearings as the VLT issue. Revenues generated from the machines, accessibility, the impact VLTs are having on communities and on the ability of volunteers to raise dollars, the possibility of returning a portion of VLT revenue back to communities, and the problems associated with addiction were often discussed at length. However, the number one concern expressed was the possible expansion of the program. Eighty - seven percent of people said there should be no further expansion, while 10 percent supported expansion. In the focus groups opinion was not quite as strong, although 72 percent were opposed to expansion. Even though people acknowledged that limiting the number of VLTs would not eliminate problem gambling, they did acknowledge that the key problem lies in accessibility. Thus the committee considered alternate ways of limiting accessibility. In the committee's view well - regulated, charitable casinos should be the primary location for gambling in Alberta, not bars and lounges. Typically people go to a casino as a destination, specifically to gamble, while people go to bars and lounges for a number of reasons, most often for a social drink. Casinos are not as readily available. Their hours of operation are carefully regulated, and nonprofit groups share directly in casino profits. With government agreeing to our recommendation that charitable casinos be allowed up to 50 VLTs, nonprofit organizations and charitable groups will now directly share in VLT revenue. Thirty percent of the net revenue from VLTs and casinos will in the future be shared equally by the nonprofit groups and the casino operator. We were sensitive to the concerns of Albertans about a growing dependence on lottery and gaming revenues, to the concerns of charitable organizations whose needs are growing and to the fact that more communities want a share in lottery revenues. We listened carefully when Albertans told us it was time to get our priorities right, that the future of Alberta and our quality of life should not depend on revenues from lotteries and gaming.