27-Feb-06. Addicted to VLTs. National Post, A12.

In this brief editorial, it is noted that the Saskatchewan government has ordered a study to examine whether lowering the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) would help reduce problem gambling. A research article suggests that Saskatchewan and Manitoba have the largest number of VLTs per capita in Canada, as well as the highest rates of problem gambling.

26-Feb-06. Calgary Canada’s casino capital. Calgary Herald, A1.

This lengthy article examines gambling and particularly casino gambling in the Province of Alberta. Evidence of its increased popularity is provided by means of statistics gleaned from a number of publications on gambling in Canada. Gambling researcher Garry Smith comments that despite the increase in gambling opportunities, problem gambling appears to have stabilized over the past few years. He says that, although the government has made several small but progressive steps to help problem gamblers, problem gambling remains a concern for a significant number of Albertans.

26-Feb-06. Calgary Canada’s gambling capital. Calgary Herald, B1.

With the opening in November of the Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Calgary now has the largest concentration of casinos per capita of any metropolitan area of the country. In the coming years, that number will increase to eight with the opening of the Tsuu T’ina Nation Casino and the Nakoda First Nations Casino near Kananaskis. University of Alberta gambling research specialist Garry Smith notes that, if this trend continues, Alberta will become one of the casino capitals of North America.

22-Feb-06. Smoking banned by city. Lethbridge Herald, A1.

Lethbridge city council unanimously passed a no-smoking bylaw that prohibits smoking in public vehicles and all buildings except residences as of January 1, 2007. Keith Preddy, president of the Southern Alberta Bingo Association predicts the city’s two bingo associations could lose millions of dollars every year because many people will no longer play the game. Cheri Langhofer, a spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society in Lethbridge, said that these types of concerns from business are understandable but will likely not materialize.

23-Feb-06. Pill may help fight gambling addiction. National Post, A14.

A pill to treat compulsive gambling is yielding promising results in clinical trials in the United States. In a four-month trial of 207 people in 15 outpatient treatment centres across the U.S., researchers at the University of Minnesota found that almost 60 per cent of the participant taking the drug nalmefene reported a much improved condition.

23-Feb-06. Anti-gambling pill shows good odds. Calgary Herald, A8.

A pill to treat compulsive gambling is yielding promising results in clinical trials in the United States. In a four-month trial of 207 people in 15 outpatient treatment centres across the U.S., researchers at the University of Minnesota found that almost 60 per cent of the participant taking the drug nalmefene reported a much improved condition.

22-Feb-06. Race talks off track. Calgary Sun, 2.

Calgary Alderman Helen Laroque says the Municipal District of Rocky View pressured developers of the $180-million track, hotel, and casino project to cancel public consultation with Calgarians, preventing them from having a say in the project. The new facility is being developed by Ivanhoe Cambridge and the United Horsemen of Alberta and is currently in the final approval stages. It will be located in the M.D. of Rocky View north of Calgary.

20-Feb-06. Montrealers considering role of the dice in their city. Globe and Mail, A7.

This article describes a proposal by Loto-Québec to build a $1.7-billion casino and entertainment complex in a desolate corner of Montreal. The proposal, yet to get government approval, has run into stiff opposition because of its proposed location in Point St. Charles. The area is one of the poorest districts in Canada and there are concerns over a rise in crime, traffic and problem gambling. Casino boosters are promoting the complex as an international-calibre attraction for Montreal that showcases the famous Cirque de Soleil.

19-Feb-06. Gambling with addiction. Calgary Sun, 24.

This editorial describes the Alberta government’s latest attempt to deal with problem gambling by providing information centres in two of the province’s casinos. The author questions whether this measure is strong enough to curb gambling abuse. University of Alberta gambling researcher Garry Smith says that there are other technologies being tested which are designed to limit problem gambling. He states that Alberta government officials seem to have a mindset that the province needs to make money from gambling.

17-Feb-06. And speaking of addiction. Calgary Herald, A28.

This editorial discusses a recent initiative by the Alberta government to place addictions counsellors in two casinos to help compulsive gamblers. The author says that the government’s logic is convoluted on this issue and accuses it of putting on a self-righteous display of concern for the gamblers while also encouraging them to gamble. It is suggested that the government should also address its own addiction to gambling revenues.

16-Feb-06. Points can’t be used to buy smokes, court rules. Globe and Mail, A8.

The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that casino patrons can not accumulate loyalty program points and redeem them for cigarettes. Players Advantage Club members at Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort had previously been able to earn points when they play slots, video poker, or table games and redeem them for merchandise that included cigarettes. A lawyer for Health Canada said that the ruling is a positive step in the battle against smoking.

16-Feb-06. Province assigns addictions counsellors to casinos. Calgary Herald, B1.

A Responsible Gambling Information Centre at the southeast Deerfoot Casino will be made available in March. A second booth opened in Edmonton yesterday. The two centres are the result of a $300,000 partnership between the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and Alberta Gaming. They will act as onsite sources for gamblers whose spending and betting may be out of control.

16-Feb-06. Bartender ran gambling ring. Edmonton Sun, 16.

A former bartender at a west-end Edmonton Boston Pizza restaurant pleaded guilty in provincial court yesterday to one count of bookmaking. The bookmaking business was conducted openly in the sports lounge until it was shut down following a nine-month undercover operation by investigators with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.

16-Feb-06. Counsellor anted up for casinos. Calgary Sun, 7.

A $300,000 two-year pilot program was launched yesterday which will see an addictions counsellor staffing the Palace Casino in Edmonton from noon until eight, Tuesday to Saturday. The “Responsible Gambling Information Centre” will serve as an entry-point for people to get access to problem gambling support services. The program will expand to the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary later this year.

16-Feb-06. Addictions staff posted in casino. Edmonton Journal, B1.

A $300,000 two-year pilot program was launched yesterday which will see an addictions counsellor staffing the Palace Casino in West Edmonton Mall from noon until eight, Tuesday to Saturday. The “Responsible Gambling Information Centre” will serve as an entry-point for people to get access to problem gambling support services. The program will expand to the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary later this year. Liberal gaming critic Maurice Tougas said that the government program is “nice” but that not enough is being done to address problem gambling.

9-Feb-06. Sisters willing to resolve casino protest. Calgary Herald, B1.

Three elderly sisters who opposed construction of a casino on the Stoney reserve west of Calgary are now willing to compromise. They have begun negotiations with newly elected Chiniki Chief Bruce Labelle in an effort to come to a resolution.

9-Feb-06. You bet media will dig. Calgary Sun, 68.

In the wake of the Rick Tocchet investigation into illegal bookmaking, the author of this article anticipates a more comprehensive review of gambling in professional ice hockey by sports journalists. He also expects further investigation into the gambling sub-culture in professional sports. It is noted that gambling is pervasive in sports.

9-Feb-06. Are you in or out? Edmonton Sun, 8.

In this article, University of Alberta gambling research specialist Garry Smith is interviewed and he said that it is not uncommon for people to bet with a bookie – which is illegal – but that it is often overlooked by law enforcement agencies. He commented that the New Jersey police sting Operation Slap Shot is high profile only because it involves an NHL assistant coach, a state trooper, Mafia connections and bets in high volume. Smith would recommend to the province that it either make all forms of gambling legal or enact tougher laws and enforce them.

8-Feb-06. NHL Gambling Shocker. Calgary Sun, 3.

In an operation dubbed Operation Slap Shot, the New Jersey state police have accused Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet with being the financier of a highly organized betting ring. An investigation into the New Jersey-based ring discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers over 40 days, exceeding $1.7-million US, on pro and college sports, mostly football and basketball.

8-Feb-06. NHL personalities linked to probe of illegal gambling ring, police say. Globe and Mail, A1.

Rick Tocchet, assistant coach of the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes, has been implicated by the Attorney General of New Jersey as the financier of an illegal gambling ring. I what New Jersey police called “Operation Slap Shot,” Mr. Toccket was charged with promoting gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy. Two other men, including an eight-year veteran of the state police were charged with similar offences.

8-Feb-06. Gretzky’s wife tied to gambling ring. Calgary Herald, A1.

Assistant coach Rick Tocchet of the Phoenix Coyotes professional ice hockey team is accused of being the chief financier behind a multi-million dollar sports gambling ring. It is alleged that the ring involves several current and former National Hockey League players, an NHL owner, and Janet Gretzky. Tocchet has been charged with promoting gambling, money laundering, and conspiracy as part of an ongoing New Jersey State Police criminal investigation.

8-Feb-06. Betting taints integrity, image of sports: analysts. Calgary Herald, A3.

New Jersey investigators announced Tuesday that they had dismantled an illegal sports betting ring that was allegedly organized by former professional ice hockey player Rick Tocchet. Tocchet is currently an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes. Other hockey players were allegedly involved in a ring that authorities say placed more than 1,000 wagers worth more than $1.7-million (US) during a 40-day period.

4-Feb-06. Norma Rae meets Loto-Québec. Globe and Mail, F9.

This article details the story of a Sherbrooke, Quebec cashier who protested against her employer’s requirement to ask customers at the check-out whether they would like to purchase lottery tickets. Supermarket cashier Cathy Marclay felt that this offer preyed on people’s weaknesses and that it could potentially encourage problem gambling. In part due to Ms. Marclay’s protest, Super C stores ultimately changed its lottery-solicitation policy.

3-Feb-06. Final furlong for city track. Calgary Sun, 24.

Stampede race track in Calgary will lose its horse racing licence once a new facility located near the town of Balzac opens. The new track has been granted the right to operate the only horse racing venue in the Calgary area. The proposed facility is anticipated to be open in the fall of 2007 and will include a Las Vegas-style casino and entertainment and shopping areas.

31-Jan-06. Tighter casino rules eyed. Red Deer Advocate, B1.

Red Deer city council wants to look at making casinos a discretionary use downtown. This means that new casinos would have to be approved by the municipal planning commission. Parkvale Community Association had requested that council change its bylaws because of recurring parking and noise problems connected with Jackpot Casino.

31-Jan-06. ‘Complementary’ cops will be armed. Edmonton Journal, A3.

Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko said Monday that the Alberta provincial government plans to use special constables to patrol Alberta highways and may also use them as backup to bouncers at some rough bars and casinos.