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NEWS RELEASE
GATEWAY CASINOS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Burnaby, BC – July 18, 2018 – Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited (“Gateway”) has signed a 23-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA) with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (“OLG”).
Gateway has purchased the assets of the Central Gaming Bundle and entered into leases for Casino Rama Resort on Chippewas of Rama First Nation’s Lands and OLG Slots at Georgian Downs in Innisfil. Gateway will take over the day-to-day operations of these sites effective today. The expansion into central Ontario represents the next exciting chapter in Gateway’s successful growth strategy and also allows for the construction of a planned new casino in the Wasaga Beach/Collingwood area.
Once again my question to the Minister of Justice/Attorney General of Canada is how are these mergers being allowed when the Criminal Code of Canada clearly states that only provincial governments can operate lottery schemes including casinos and providing that they are conducted and managed by these governments, or Crown Corporations? It is further stated in the amendment to the Criminal Code of Canada that revenue be devoted to public good, charities, or religious organizations and not to private interests.
The number of suicides resulting from pathological gamblers unable to quit, as well as all the other social costs associated with expanded gambling do not seem to matter to you or the Minister of Health. I must insist on a response in the immediate future or I will address these issues with the participation of both mainstream and social media.
Respectfully
Sol Boxenbaum,
This letter was sent to the Minister of Justice/Attorney General of Canada on July 19 and as cited in the last paragraph: I insist on response in the immediate future or I will address these issues with the participation of both mainstream and social media.
This is not the first time I have addressed this issue with her and the Minister of Health and they just look the other way while more people become addicted to gambling and while suicide rates are at record highs.
Starting tomorrow I will be writing more details on what is happening contrary to the laws in the Criminal Code of Canada with the collusion of the Ministers. I will be explaining how I can not be anti-gambling yet concerned about how and why the expansion and why impact studies need to be done. I would ask for your comments as well as your writing to your member of parliament if you agree with my points.
Sincerely,
Sol
