The time has come to reform gambling

[observer]

The OLG already brings in nearly $2 billion a year, but the reforms, looser rules and a GTA casino, are expected to bring in another $1.3 billion. This, according to an article in Wed.'s Simcoe Reformer. It also says that local municipalities will have the right to hold referendums to opt out of hosting expanded gambling facilities.

Are expanded gambling facilities a wise way to help Ontario out of its deficits?

Would it be feasible to set up a casino on the Simcoe Fairgrounds?

[retired2]

We do not need it

[mario]

I consider it like a sin tax. Nobody forces you to smoke or drink or eat to excess or gamble. It's there if you want it. Granted there are some inherent problems when gambling gets out of control. And it may not be as able to stop as cutting back on drinking or smoking or eating. But it would be a boost to the economy and create jobs. It's a double edged sword.

[growler]

i think it would be a good idea to have a small casino in norfolk.
and we might just have the right building in our midst to house one !
the dover high school as it's on the chopping block for closure, the county could buy it and lease it to the olg with an ironclad 99 year lease for space plus utilities and maintenance, plus the cost of living increases.
and can you just imagine the crowds on special weekends, like friday the 13th ! !
and they could designate a portion of it be used as a nightclub, booking in all kinds of performers like used to come to the "Highlands" at long point, and at the "hall" in delhi plus other local venues in norfolk, like fats domino, chubby checker, roy clark, and a host of others in years gone by.
maybe thats why we never had much of an addiction problem back then,cause we were working to get the money to go see these people, and all we had left over was enough to go get some beer !!
now days we give them money, but with nothing to go see,all they do for ecitement is use drugs
so maybe a casino would make the county (and us) some money, and jobs, plus be a tourist draw !

[observer]

If Norfolk were to have one, Dover would surely be the place, growler!

[kishgo]

A great idea Growler. Really. Just think of the revenue generated from the casino and the domino effect it would have on lodgings, etc.
Have you approached officials in Port Dover/Simcoe to suggest this idea?

Re: Highlands in Long Point, we are showing our ages even recalling this dance hall. My Dad was stationed in LP for two summers while I was in my mid teens. I was FORBIDDEN to even be in the area on the weekends. I recall one particularly rough weekend when my Dad had to have many back up units on hand. I never knew why (but that didn't stop me for guessing!) I recall too that many times officers in their cruisers would be at our cottage (from the OPP for the summer) to write up reports, have discussions and lunch too.

[growler]

sorry i made you feel ohhld,can't even write without getting nervous !
bu i never grew up much, i'm only 29 years old after all!! but i have had a quite a few anniverseys of getting to that age !
and as i've never grew up, my kids are now more mature than me !
but as to bringing it up i send the odd e-mail to our elected reps, both locally and nationaly, but toby's secretary don't seem to like some of my comments so has my address blocked !
but when they come asking for support/money next election i think they may think better of it !

[Spidubic]

Before you get to excited about a casino in Norfolk check this site out:

Value4Money

This will give an idea of what the all the new casinos will cost us. And what we are losing in return.

Thousands of jobs are created by horse racing. The industry pulls in $2 billion a year of which 80% goes to rural communities. The government is shutting this down putting those people out of work not to mention thousands of horses that will likely end up slaughtered.

The government took in $1.9 billion from OLG of which 60% came from the Slots and Racetrack program. This money went to help Ontarions get better services without extra taxes.

[Slowfood]

So this huge horse racing industry is totally dependent on people putting money in slot machines to subsidize it.
Racing and the tracks were dead once, slots put them on life support.

[Spidubic]

Um no. The horse racing industry is fine. But not making the government enough dollars compared to casinos so they are scrapping it. They are killing an industry that provides jobs for thousands as well as trickles down to other areas. Not to mention the thousands of horses that will most likely end up slaughtered. First McGuinty kills dogs now he is killing horses. What next? Hamsters?

[longtallsally]

McGuinty is a hamster!

[Spidubic]

[Sponsored content]