Gambling habits in Saskatchewan need 'serious attention'

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by Change | 2 Sep 2010

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"Serious attention" needs to be paid to the issue of gambling in Saskatchewan, a prominent Canadian politician has said.

The impact of gambling in Saskatchewan needs to be given "serious attention" after the release of a report showing that the average household in the province spent more on gambling than any other in Canada.

According to the Statistics Canada report, the average spent was $720, considerably more than second-placed Alberta, with the average household there spending $645, the Lloydminster Meridian Booster reports.

By contrast, the average household in Quebec spent just $390.

Deb Higgins, the deputy leader of Canada's social democratic party, said that "serious attention" needs to be paid to the situation.

"Behind those averages may lie patterns of problem gambling and gambling addictions that only a thorough study can reveal," she told the news provider.

The figures were defended by Ken Cheveldayoff, the minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, who said that gambling provides much-needed revenue for the government, much of which goes towards healthcare and education.

Last month, Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said that internet gambling in the country has turned into a "public health issue".

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