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Frequent Player Cards Introduced in British Columbia
A new frequent player card, known as the gold card, has been introduced in British Columbia and casino patrons can use the promotional offer to redeem half-a-cent for every dollar they spend in a British Columbia casino. Points can also be redeemed for hotel rooms, dinners, or any of the other attractions British Columbia's casinos offer.
American's leading anti-gambling organization has blasted the provincial government and the B.C. Lottery Corporation for their introduction of frequent-player cards to be used in casinos.
"This is just reprehensible," said David Robertson, chairman of the National Coalition against Legalized Gambling. "It preys on the poor and uneducated. Government shouldn't prey on its own people." Robertson points to studies that say 50 percent of gambling revenue comes out of the pocket of three to five percent of gamblers.
He said the provincial government is addicted to gambling revenue and is using promotional offers like the gold card to hook more players. "And now they are trying to hook people with the frequent-player program they have."
Tamara Ibbott, a communications officer with the BCLC, said the program is similar to many frequent-player programs at private casinos in the U.S. and in other provinces. She said people who sign up for the card do it voluntarily, and that the corporation is not targeting addicted gamblers.
"Our research indicates that 95 percent of our players gamble responsibly," she said.
Monday, 24. 2006
Victor Copeland