Canadian gambling "contributing billions to the economy"

2007-04-27 17:10:06

Gambling in Canada is contributing billions to the economy as well as providing thousands of jobs to local residents, it has been revealed.

The pastime contributes $15.3 billion a year to the economy and provides for more than 50,000 jobs, according to a new study.

In an effort to promote the benefits of gambling to the economy, the figures have been revealed by the Canadian Gaming Association in a new report.

The research also indicated that over half of consumer expenditure on gambling ultimately ends up with governments or charities.

"There are a lot of studies out there that deal with the social side of things. The focus of this study was on economic benefits and economic impacts," said Robert Scarpelli of report authors HLT Advisory.

"We would like to focus today on the good things gaming has done," he added.

Earlier this month it was revealed that James Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting was to buy gambling sites around Canada for 1.37 billion Canadian dollars.


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