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Monday, February 22, 2010

Gambling Expansion

Initial restictions established to limit addictive behavior are gradually eroded over time in spite of promises. It's in the Gambling Playbook --

Gaming facility asks for ATM back

Chances Gaming Entertainment wants to reinstall an automated teller that had to be removed when the business added slot machines.

The bingo and slots facility has applied to have its restrictive covenant removed. That request will go to City council Tuesday with a staff recommendation that there be a public hearing on the issue.

The covenant was put on in 2004 when Chances first applied to install 50 slot machines to its Halston Avenue operation.

Then-councillor Terry Lake asked that the automated teller machine be removed and a restrictive covenant put on the property that barred an ATM from being in the building.

He did so with the idea that it would prevent gamblers from depleting their bank accounts while playing slots. They would at least have to leave the building if they needed more cash.

In 2008, Chances added another 25 slots to its mix, although owners Pat and Gary Hart had requested approval for an unspecified number of machines.

Council set the limit of 25 additional slots, putting a total of 75 machines allowed at Chances.

At both times, the City’s Social Planning Council opposed the applications, citing concerns about gambling addictions.

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