While there are some that would say that announcing a probe into casino and gambling addiction at the same time as opening another casino was a little strange, that is just what the Alberta government has done. As casino number eight opens up in the Calgary area the government seem to be giving mixed signals about the future of the industry. However, it will be interesting the see the positive and negative aspects of an industry which has attracted more than its fair share of controversy.
As with so many other industries which are not always in receipt of full public approval, the gambling and casino industry is enormous and not one which will disappear overnight. In many ways it can be compared to alcohol and the legalisation of a product which still to this day attracts a great deal of negative publicity. However, like gambling, alcoholic drinks have been around for many years in one shape or another, both legally and illegally. The fact that one government deems a particular pastime or product illegal does not mean that the next government will follow suit.
Gambling will happen even if it was outlawed by the authorities, but at least when it is in the legal circle there is a chance for the industry to try and reduce the impact of problems such as addiction. Much of the industry’s work goes unnoticed in the mass media with many preferring to highlight the supposed darker side of the sector.
While there are some that would say that announcing a probe into casino and gambling addiction at the same time as opening another casino was a little strange, that is just what the Alberta government has done. As casino number eight opens up in the Calgary area the government seem to be giving mixed signals about the future of the industry. However, it will be interesting the see the positive and negative aspects of an industry which has attracted more than its fair share of controversy.