Slot Machines on BC Ferries a Complicated Bet, Warned Finance Ministry. Blindsided regulator detailed many concerns after transportation ministers public announcement - Andrew MacLeod (BC Liberals Transport Minister Todd (doh Stoner) Stone flubs + fumbles it yet again with BCF) After Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced BC Ferries proposal to put slot machines on its vessels last year, the finance ministry began compiling a list of concerns that ranged from the need to rewrite provincial gambling laws to the likely violation of the federal criminal code. Records released to The Tyee in response to a freedom of information request show the finance ministry had a dozen considerations about the Nov. 2013 proposal, and that Stone had already taken the idea to cabinet without consulting the branch of the finance ministry that regulates gambling in the province (see sidebar). In a Feb. 2014 email, a finance ministry official noted Premier Christy Clark supported Stones plan. A record titled Contemplation of Slot Machines on BC Ferries outlines several difficulties, including the fact that under provincial law its illegal for a private company like BC Ferries to negotiate hosting gambling. A significant amount of policy work, consultation and legislative drafting is likely required prior to introduction of slot machines on ferries operated by BC Ferries, it said. Referring to the Gaming Control Act, the document said, Although the announcement of slots on ferries was made by BC Ferries and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, under the [law] the decision to conduct, manage and operate casino gaming including slots or to establish or relocate a gaming facility is made by government or BCLC not... by someone (such as a private company like BC Ferries) that wants to have a casino. thetyee.ca/News/2014/10/16/Slots-on-BC-Ferries/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=161014
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 06:06:03 +0000