Debate on gambling continues.

Ottawa--The gambling industry continues to hit the big time in Canada. Revenue collected from it across the country has risen from $2.7 billion in 1992 to $9 billion in 2000. No drop is anticipated in the foreseeable future.

Within the past three years, traditional gambling outlets of lotteries and casinos have been supplemented by video lottery terminals (VLTs). These electronic slot machines, installed in bars, restaurants and racetracks, are collecting over $1 billion per year.

The ethics of this state-controlled industry continues to be hotly debated. Governments favour it as contributing to their revenues, especially in an era when people demand tax cuts.

There is no doubt that the social consequences are grave for those who get hooked on gambling. Apart from the obvious connection with organized crime, gambling addicts suffer bankruptcies, suicides and family disruptions.

Many gambling addicts come from among the poor; they cannot afford the habit yet wager $50 or $100 a week with regularity. A recent Manitoba study indicates that educated persons with middle-class incomes are increasingly finding themselves in rehab for this problem as well.

A late spring 2001 referendum in New Brunswick on the future of VLTs resulted in a narrow victory for those who can't resist them. Also, banning would have meant a $55 million drop in provincial revenue.

Many people think this price is too high for the resultant social misery. It has been suggested that the gambling industry might donate 2% of its take for rehabilitation services.