25-May-07. Charges laid in gambling scam. Globe and Mail (Metro Ed, ON), A10.

After a four-year investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police, the FBI and eight state police forces, 15 people were arrested on charges of conspiracy, fraud and cheating at play. The criminal organization took in more than two million dollars while playing mini-baccarat at casinos, and using a "false shuffle" cheat by bribing card dealers.

25-May-07. Tocchet getting his day in court. Globe and Mail (Metro Ed, ON), S3.

National Hockey League assistant coach Rick Tocchet will appear in court today on charges related to sports betting. The charges stem from an investigation into illegal gambling that also alleged the involvement of Janet Gretzky, James Harney and James Ulmer. There is speculation that this unexpected court date means that Tocchet will either plead guilty or that the charges will be entirely dropped.

24-May-07. Casino icon cashes in for $22M. Calgary Herald, A1.

Frank Sisson, owner of Calgary's Silver Dollar Casino and Entertainment Centre, has agreed to sell the business to the Evergreen Gaming Corporation. The complex, which includes 504 slot machines, 25 VLT's, 20 gaming tables, a bowling alley, theatre and convention centre, employs 180 people. Sisson will continue on as the general manager of the organization's operations for the first two years after the sale.

12-May-07. Atlantic Lottery Corp. under police probe. Calgary Herald, A11.

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation is currently under investigation by police, and has handed over files pertaining to retailer winnings. An independent investigation found that various lottery retailers have won a total of over $14 million by pocketing 85 winning tickets.

09-May-07. Atlantic provinces to review lottery games after discrepancies found. National Post, A5.

The Atlantic provincial governments have requested a review of all Atlantic Lottery Corporation procedures. Lottery retail owners in those provinces are ten times more likely to win major prizes than should be expected. The review will be conducted by an independent body within the next year.

09-May-07. Maritimes determined to make lotteries honest. Edmonton Journal, A5.

The Atlantic provincial governments have requested a review of all Atlantic Lottery Corporation procedures. Lottery retail owners in those provinces are ten times more likely to win major prizes than should be expected. The review will be conducted by an independent body within the next year.

27-Apr-07. Governments big winners in gambling industry. Edmonton Journal, A7.

An economic report by the Canadian Gaming Association found huge profits were made last year by the industry – over $15-billion. Critics of the study say that while the report addresses economic benefits, including the portions of gambling monies given to provincial and federal governments, along with charities and retailers, it fails to address the social costs and impacts of problem gambling.

27-Apr-07. Canadians spent $14.5-billion gambling in 2006, study find. Globe and Mail, A5.

An economic report by the Canadian Gaming Association found huge profits were made last year by the industry – over $15-billion. Critics of the study say that while the report addresses economic benefits, including the portions of gambling monies given to provincial and federal governments, along with charities and retailers, it fails to address the social costs and impacts of problem gambling.

27-Apr-07. Gambling habit costs Canadians $14.5B. Calgary Herald, A7.

An economic report by the Canadian Gaming Association found huge profits were made last year by the industry – over $15-billion. Critics of the study say that while the report addresses economic benefits, including the portions of gambling monies given to provincial and federal governments, along with charities and retailers, it fails to address the social costs and impacts of problem gambling.

27-Apr-07. Bill aims to lift ban on online gambling. National Post, FP7.

Democratic Rep. Barney Frank (Massachusetts) has proposed a bill to end the ban on online gambling in the U.S. The ban has been in place since last year, making it illegal for banks and credit card companies to pay online gambling sites. There is currently only limited support for the lifting of this ban, but Frank hopes his support base will grow.