March 21 Letter to the Editor: Casinos Come with a Cost

March 21st, 2012 in Powered by Values Email to a friend 0

As published in the March 21, 2012 edition of the London Free Press.

 

Regarding the article, “We could hit jackpot as small slot operations are closed (March 15)”.

The short-term benefits to this proposed expansion of the Western Fair District’s casino are minimal compared to the negative effects of increased problem gambling.

Statistics Canada reports 2% of Ontarians are problem gamblers. For every problem gambler, an additional 18 people or 38% of all Ontarians are negatively impacted. The long-term results of an expanded local casino include lost productivity, increased levels of poverty and family breakdowns. These translate into far more costly long-term consequences for our city’s future, further shrinking the numbers of taxpayers and increasing the welfare rolls.

Is it not time for more holistic decision-making that promotes a sustainable future for all Londoners?

Henry Eastabrook and Anthony Carapinha

for the Poverty, Homelessness and Options Teams
London InterCommunity Health Centre