Everyone has seen them at some point - whether in person or broadcasted through the television. The flashy, musical box at the local bar or restaurant that promises a large payout of money to the gambling addict.
They are called video lottery terminals or VLT's for short and they supply over $65 million in revenue for the Provincial Government, but at what cost? Is our government addicted to the revenue the VLT's provide?
Maybe some day members of government will realize that the money they call revenue, hurts an individual, a family, and a community on many different levels.
Considering the additional costs, resulting in problems created through addictions to VLT's, people are profiting from the gamblers and not providing an adequate support system for those wanting to kick the habit. The VLT's are everywhere and temptation lurks around every corner for a gambler who is trying to quit.
When a government, elected by the people, to serve the people, takes advantage of the weak - there is something inherently wrong.
When it comes to VLT gambling there is no comparison to other addictions, such as smoking and alcohol. A single person will not spend thousands in one night at a bar drinking or smoking (or at least we hope) and the brain has no defense to stop a gambling addict - hundreds of thousands of dollars can be lost within a few months of the addiction.
There is a reason the VLT's are considered the crack cocaine of gambling. Too many people get hooked, very quickly and the impact and associated costs climb higher and higher every year.
For those arguing that the VLT gambling control is in the power of the addict - it simply isn't possible for all. If that were the case government could legalize drugs and leave it up to the addict to act responsibly.
No one can be a victim and be responsible at the same time.
- Pam Snow
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