Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz is concerned the P.E.I. government is building a casino piece by piece, following approval for Texas hold 'em poker at the Charlottetown Driving Park.
'Starting to introduce things gradually … I think's wrong.'— Robert Ghiz
Atlantic Lottery confirmed Tuesday that Provincial Treasurer Mitch Murphy has given the go-ahead to install two to six card tables at the racino. Mike Randall, vice-president of communications for Atlantic Lotto, told CBC New Tuesday the news had come to him in just the last day.
"It would probably take us between 12 and 16 weeks to be ready," said Randall.
"There's a number of processes we would go through: getting the equipment, training the staff. We're in the middle of developing a social responsibility assessment to ensure all of the necessary responsible gambling measures are in place."
Texas hold 'em is a popular poker game that's currently played in bars throughout Prince Edward Island. Randall said Atlantic Lotto has not received approval for blackjack or any other casino games, because it hasn't asked for them.
Ghiz fears this move is bringing government one step closer to approving a full casino at the race track.
"I understand that this Texas hold 'em is going on around Prince Edward Island. If they are going to start to regulate it, that would be something good," said Ghiz.
"But at the same time, just starting to introduce things gradually, without consulting with Islanders, I think's wrong, and I am dead against a full-fledged casino here on Prince Edward Island. I don't think it can be viable and I really hope this government consults Islanders first."
The racino opened in the summer of 2005 as a place to bet on local races, simulcast races and play video lottery terminals. In March, the province gave permission to add slot machines. Texas hold 'em will be the first approved card game.
