Victoria officials revealed that they are considering the possibility for the establishment of a casino in the capital of the Canadian province of British Columbia.
Back in October, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), known to be overlooking gambling in the province, discussed with municipalities the potential opening of yet another casino in the region, with the second one being located in nearer proximity to downtown Victoria than the existing gambling venue in View Royal.
On Thursday, almost all members of the Victoria City Council indicated support for the idea and said that they would remain open to such a major project. Yet, there were three councilors that openly opposed the possible launch of a casino and particularly one that is to be close to the city.
Councilor Ben Isitt told local media that a new gaming venue would have quite negative effects on people with problem gambling behavior and ones that are prone to gambling addiction.
Commenting on the idea, Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps said that she is open to it and that the city should definitely explore the benefits an establishment of this kind may bring to Victoria. She further noted that the city could abandon the plan at any time, if officials consider that needed.
Councilors also pointed out that the issuance of an expression of interest would by no means obligate the city to proceed with the selection of a preferred candidate to build and manage a new casino as it can be withdrawn any time.
City officials said that if a gambling venue is to be eventually built, its gaming floor would occupy between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet. And the establishment could turn to be a really profitable one. Under the current regulations, the BCLC grants 10% of the net profits generated by a given casino to the municipality that hosts it. For instance, View Royal was turned nearly C$4 million in the previous fiscal year for hosting a casino.
Victoria officials said that revenue from the potential new casino could be allocated for different housing projects, the development of a C$7.5-million cycling network, and other citywide initiatives. However, opponents of the idea said that the city could come up with different other ways for diversified and constantly growing revenue stream, without having to establish a gambling venue.
