Manitobans: Top Gamblers In Canada
A study by Statistics Canada, released on July 22nd, shows that Manitobans are the most avid gamblers in Canada.
The same study by Statistics Canada says gambling revenues in 2008 dropped for the first time in 16 years. Canadians were putting less money into lottery
tickets, horse racing and video lottery terminals as a whole. But the Canadian drop in gambling revenue is pretty benign because the relatively small losses are offset by gains elsewhere. While lotteries might be losing popularity, casinos are drawing more people in.
56% of all Manitoban households are involved, a way or another, in gambling activities like casinos, VLTs, bingos, lotteries and others. In whole Canada, Manitoba has the highest percentage though most other provinces are not far behind.
The same study shows that Manitoba has the highest percentage of people, 25%, playing VTLs, slot machines and similar casino games. The StatsCan study shows that the Manitoba government trails only Saskatchewan and Alberta in per capita gambling profit.
It is important to consider the report does not take into account First Nations Casinos and charitable revenues. Those amount can be huge in some provinces.
The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba reported those numbers coincide with those of gambling addicts in the province.
A study done by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba in 2006 but only released summer 2008 shows that Manitoba’s rate of problem gambling ( around 1.4% of the general adult population) is slightly higher than the Canadian average. The AFM is treating about 500 people every year besides handling over 3000 call to its help line.
The report, from Statistics Canada, shows that the Manitoba provincial government got $645 million in gambling revenues in 2008. That amount is the one compiled once prizes and winnings have been deducted. $358 million from that money profited to the government, once operating costs were deducted. It includes non-gambling casino revenue like concerts and restaurants.
Gambling generated $13.6 billion in revenue for governments across Canada in 2008.
Saskatchewan brought in the highest gambling revenue per person ($825) followed by Alberta and Manitoba.
Gambling was still going strong in prosperous provinces such as Saskatchewan.
Gaming in Manitoba has held steady despite the recession. The Manitoba Lotteries Corp., said half the province’s residents bought a lottery ticket in the last month. While almost one-third have been to a casino in the last year.
The Manitoba Lotteries annual report shows the province’s gaming revenue goes generally into spending like health care and education. A smaller portion is used for municipal grants, economic development and the Winnipeg Police Service.
The same study from Statistics Canada shows that older, single men and women were most likely to engage in at least one form of gambling.
Some 50% of women living alone and between the ages of 45 and 64 said they gambled. While 54% of single men in the same age group admitted to buying lottery tickets, playing the slots or going to bingo.
This very interesting study is available on Statistics Canada website.
