Section 5: Who Benefits, Who Pays? -- The Effects of an Increase in Legalized Gambling on the Tourism Industry of British Columbia (From Gambling in Canada: Golden Goose or Trojan Horse?, P 297-306, 1989, Colin S. Campbell and John Lowman, eds. -- See NCJ-126295)

• NCJ Number: 126313
• Author(s): B Hann
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Simon Fraser University
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: Canada
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

While tourism in British Columbia is a multibillion dollar industry, legalized gambling generates $800 million annually, a trend that has led the provincial government to consider expanding the areas of approved gaming.

Abstract

Several years ago, the government took a step in this direction by installing slot machines on the Crown-owned ferries operating between Seattle and Vancouver. Approximately one-third of the passengers, mostly non-Canadian, indicated that the presence of gambling had induced them to take the trip. A major proposal for expanding gambling in the province revolves around the creation of destination gambling resorts in outlying tourist areas, similar to schemes created in Australia. Destination gambling could provide a boost to an important provincial industry. The article maintains, however, that the plan will succeed only if it has a uniquely Canadian aspect, is designed to provide a total entertainment package, is close to population centers, can compete with the incentives offered by Las Vegas casinos, and is supported by the local population. 7 figures