Online gambling needs to be regulated according to Darlene Compton, minister of Finance, in order to protect Islanders.
Well yes, I’m sure it does. However, illegal land purchases need to be regulated, digging huge holding ponds need to be regulated, our ground water needs to be regulated, clear cutting needs to be regulated, and the list goes on.
Of course, there is a big difference between the other issues and gambling. The government is quick to move to regulate online gambling as it represents taxable income for them.
All this nonsense about protecting Islanders is insulting. It has nothing to do with Islanders, it's all about money. If the government really cared about its citizens, they would be moving to stop online gambling. It's a huge drain on family incomes of those who can ill afford to gamble. It's an addiction that destroys lives and families causing loss of homes and everything else. Often leading to mental health problems.
Mental health problems, oh yeah, I almost forgot, we don’t have a treatment clinic or staff for people suffering and in need of help. But online gambling goes ahead.
This government needs to get its priorities right. We have much greater issues than online gambling.
We already have more than this tiny island needs. Lotto machines in legions and Lions clubs, bars and private clubs. We have instant lotto tickets sold at every corner shop and service centre. People spend thousands hoping to hit the jackpot. A jackpot that for the masses never happens. Remember the two politicians on the milk carton — they wanted to make the Island an internet gambling centre. We all know how that turned out.
F. Ben Rodgers,
Abram-Village
