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Solicitor General John Les has amended B.C.'s gaming regulations, targeting businesses that teach children how to gamble.
This became an issue last month when Nevada North Entertainment advertised a Kids Poker Tour for young people aged 10 to 18.
The company promoted the poker camp as a good way to teach children analytical thinking, good sportsmanship and math skills.
Solicitor General John Les says gambling is for adults, not for children.
(CBC)
But Les was unimpressed, saying it was more about training future gamblers than teaching life skills.
"It was pretty clear they wanted kids to learn how to gamble, specifically in this case it was Texas Hold 'Em that they were promoting."
Les said the changes to the regulation, which were announced Tuesday, will require anyone planning to put on gaming activities directed at children to get a permit — a permit that can be denied if the event isn't in the public interest.
"There is some evidence based on research that kids who are taught how to gamble at an early age have a greater likelihood of developing gambling addictions later in life," said the solicitor general.
Les said one thing should be made clear to businesses operating in B.C.: gambling is for adults, and not for children.
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