Determining Socio-Economic Impacts of New Gaming Venues in Four Lower Mainland Communities: Socio-Economic Issues and Impacts: Final baseline report

Abstract

Casino style gambling has been expanding rapidly over the last decade in Canada. Gambling is often associated with a range of positive and negative outcomes for individuals, local communities and society and is therefore an important public policy topic. The BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch requires research on the economic and social costs and benefits of increasing casino style venues to develop responsible gaming policies and assist the provincial government and other stakeholders in community planning. The opening of four gaming venues in the Lower Mainland (two new facilities and two expansions of existing facilities to include slot machines) created an opportunity to study the impacts of new gaming facilities. These venues are: The Fraser Downs racetrack in Surrey The Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver The Edgewater Casino in the Plaza of Nations in Vancouver The Gateway “Cascades” Casino in Langley An interim baseline report was prepared in June 2005 that presented initial findings for the study. This final baseline report incorporates that data, as well as additional economic analysis completed this fall.