Position Statement

As the gambling industry developed in British Columbia government has absorbed the revenue of community based gambling, endorsement from charities, non-profits, fairs and religious groups – traditional hosts and beneficiaries of gambling – was sought and received in exchange for a commitment to invest the proceeds of gambling into community programming, health and social services. This agreement was made over the last 30 years and remains in place though is not commonly applied.

The BCACG seeks:

• Full acknowledgement of this commitment and sustaining investment in delivery of social response programming under the social license agreement.
• To renew its collaborative relationships with the stakeholders – industry operators, the Provincial government and its crown regulator in BC Lottery Corporation.
• To be a required contributor to Gaming Grant program policy and amend the Roles and Responsibilities of Participants in British Columbia’s Gaming Industry (February 22, 2010) and name the community as participants in British Columbia’s Gaming Industry. Roles and Responsibilities of Participants in British Columbia’s Gaming Industry
• To increase the revenue to the Community Gaming Grant program and to increase the known impact of community gaming grant programming.

With increased understanding of the risks and benefits of gambling entertainment and with greater understanding of the root causes of addiction and social damage – shame, secrecy, isolation – it is more and more responsible to invest in health and addiction services and to ensure there is sustained, volunteer based recreation, environment, safety and service programming. Community Gaming Grants are investments in social infrastructure that are effective mitigating factors both in prevention and support to families and those in recovery. This is responsible gambling. This is health promotion, social development and crime prevention.