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Patrons play the slots at the MGM MGM Grand Detroit Casino, in July, 1999. One year after the casino opened, city leaders and anti-gambling forces are tallying the wins, losses and draws since Detroit became the nation's largest city with casino gambling. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
INDEPTH: GAMBLING
Gambling: Risky Business
CBC News Online | Updated Oct. 24, 2005

ANNUAL PROVINCIAL GAMBLING EXPENDITURES, 1992 AND 2001
19922001
Canada$130$447
Newfoundland190485
PEI 205536
Nova Scotia 180478
New Brunswick210417
Quebec130427
Ontario105550
Manitoba185606
Saskatchewan85539
Alberta120611
British Columbia155512
Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut80105
Gambling, the wagering of money on games of chance, is a popular form of recreation throughout the world. Places such as Las Vegas and Atlantic City have boasted legendary betting venues for much of the last century. Stories, legends, films and fantasies have been built and lost with cards and dice. But, casinos are no longer the only place to "up the ante."

In Canada, gambling is a growing industry. Casinos have sprouted up across the country. Online gaming and video lottery terminals (VLTs) have also allowed for explosive growth in the industry. In the decade since 1992, the net revenue from government-run lotteries, VLTs and casinos has risen from $2.7 billion to $11.3 billion.*

Of all net non-charity gambling revenue in 2002, lotteries accounted for 27 per cent, casinos 34 per cent and VLTs 23 per cent. Slot machines not found in casinos account for 17 per cent.

Lotteries alone generated $3.5 billion in revenue in 2001, up from $2.9 billion in 1998.

The gambling industry shows no signs of slowing down. The average Canadian household spent $257 just on government lotteries in 2001.

*Refers to total money wagered minus winnings.

Source: Statistics Canada "Perspectives on Labour and Income: Fact-sheet on gambling"





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EXTERNAL LINKS:
Fact-sheet on gambling from Statistics Canada (pdf format)

Lottery Canada

Who regulates gambling in Canada?

Gambling in Canada: A Report by the National Council of Welfare (Winter 1996)

Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission

Responsible Gambling Council

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

eGambling: The Electronic Journal of Gambling Issues
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