On-Line Gaming: The NDP is looking to Gamble on Manitoba's Future

Recently, the NDP have been considering introducing on-line gambling in Manitoba through Manitoba Lotteries. I don't think this development is by coincidence however. I believe that the NDP's desire to get into the online gaming business is so that they can bring in more revenue to address the huge deficit they have built up. Government run on-line gambling would offer online versions of casino games. Steve Ashton, NDP Minister responsible for Manitoba Lotteries says: "Clearly this is on the agenda."

I am personally opposed to the Manitoba government operating on-line gambling. On-line gambling is highly addictive, especially amongst young people. Government-run online gaming will increase the problem with addiction in Manitoba and ultimately increase the personal problems associated with gambling addictions some of which include drug abuse, theft, family breakups, and unemployment.

When you add in the additional costs associated with managing the social problems that arise from gambling addiction, the revenue from online gaming will nowhere near cover the cost to taxpayers. But as in many NDP ideas they only look at the very short term benefits and in this case the beenfit they are looking for is more money on their bottom line.

The NDP are horrible at looking at the big picture and long-term costs associated with their policies. They tend to make quick, poorly thought-out decisions that end up costing Manitobans more in the long run. Gambling is the perfect example: it may bring revenue in now but the costs to treat the results of addiction to gambling are spread out over many years and many budgets.