Report Supports Victoria Casino

VICTORIA, British Columbia – As reported by the Victoria Times-Colonist: "Another casino in Victoria could double the region's present level of $50 milllion in gaming activity, according to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, consultants for casino developer John Asfar.

"Copies of the $50,000 study are going to Victoria city councillors and the B.C. Lottery Corp., in attempts to win support for rezoning Asfar's preferred site and to move a Quesnel casino licence to Victoria.

"…The study estimated the View Royal casino, run by Great Canadian Casinos, is the third biggest in the province in terms of total 'win' at $52 million a year, 80 per cent of it from its 300 slot machines.

"…The CRD has a much bigger potential for casino gambling, especially among visitors, beyond the single casino in View Royal, the study said.

"…A new casino in Victoria follows the B.C. Lottery Corp.'s three-year service plan 'in that it should directly appeal to the tourist market segment as well as help BCLC achieve its future business volume estimates.'

"…Victoria's older population -- 18 per cent are 65 and older, compared to 13.6 per cent province-wide -- is a plus for a city casino, the study says.

"Seniors' dependence on investment income and pensions indicates a higher disposable income, it says…"

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