More slot machines for northern B.C. city

Prince George is set to become the slot machine capital of the B.C. Interior following the approval of a new downtown gaming centre by city council.

The city already has a casino with 400 slot machines.

With the addition of the new gaming centre, Prince George will have 500 slot machines.
(CBC)

Once the new gaming centre opens, that will increase to 500 machines, the biggest collection of one-armed bandits in the B.C. Interior.

Only one of the eight city councillors — Deborah Munoz — voted against the new gaming centre, citing the social cost of gambling.

"It's been demonstrated over and over that slot machines [are] one of the most highly addictive forms of gambling."

But Coun. Glen "Moose" Scott says problem gamblers have been promised help, and argues that slot machines aren't the biggest issue.

"I really don't think it's a big concern, because I think more of a concern than anything else is the huge amount of internet gambling taking place."

Scott says the gaming centre will revitalize Prince George's downtown.

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