Keynote Address: Gambling in Canada

Abstract

Gambling in Canada, similar to many other countries throughout the world, has undergone marked social policy changes. Some have argued that the radical changes have taken place predominantly as a result of socio-political changes while others contend that the economics associated with gambling (gaming) have driven policy changes (Morton, 2003). During the past century, gambling has gone from an activity associated with sin and vice to a popular form of entertainment and a highly reputable business operated by provincial governments attempting to facilitate economic development and growth, promote stable employment opportunities, help fund charitable groups, provide a source of entertainment opportunities, and furnish a growing source of non-taxed revenue for the provinces. Gambling in Canada remains big business. Revenues of legal, regulated gambling are in excess of $11.3 billion resulting in net profits of $6 billion in 2002, with increased revenues expected in subsequent years (Marshall & Wynne, 2003). Campbell and Smith (1998) aptly noted two distinct historical trends with respect to gambling in Canada: (a) a clear, definable transition from prohibition to legalization, and (b) a consistent pattern of reduced federal responsibility with a concomitant increase in greater provincial authority. We would add several further observations, that is, there continues to be a significant increase in the number of gambling venues, a growing variety of games of chance offered, and increased revenues across the country. A historical review indicates that early forms of gambling in Canada included card games, cockfights, and horse racing, all of which were typical of frontier life (Morton, 2003). Today, depending upon the jurisdiction, one can easily legally wager on casino-type games (e.g., card games, dice, baccarat, and roulette), slots, video-lottery terminals (VLTs), bingo, cards, sports betting, horse racing, lottery draws, and instant scratch lotteries. If one adds Internet gambling into this mix, while not regulated in Canada, the list appears to be almost limitless. The modernization and subsequent regulation of gambling within Canada continues to be under federal legislation (the Criminal Code of Canada) that was originally adopted in 1892. Since its inception, there have been a number of significant changes and amendments to the Criminal Code’s sections concerning gambling; these were primarily designed to accommodate provincial requests (see Table 1). It should also