B.C.’s health officer to present a report on the effects of gambling on public health

Provincial Health Officer will unveil a report on the effects of gambling on public health this afternoon.

The report comes in the wake of last month’s announcement of a $535 million ‘urban resort’ that will house a new casino, hotel and entertainment complex in downtown Vancouver.

It is expected to open its doors in 2016.

The project will be the new home of the existing Edgewater Casino, and will maintain the existing 600 slot machines and 75 gambling tables. There will be no increase in gambling with construction of the new project.

In 2011, Dr. Perry Kendall voiced disapproval for a previous proposal, citing concerns about the effects of problem gambling.

The new proposal still needs to be approved by Vancouver city council.

More details to come… 

with files from Amy Judd and Peter Meiszner