VANCOUVER - Increased casino and community gaming centre gambling throughout British Columbia will fuel a $363-million increase in B.C. Lottery Corp. revenues over the next three years, BCLC says in its latest service plan. Total revenues from casinos, gaming centres, lotteries and bingo halls are projected to rise from $2.5 billion in 2007-08 to $2.863 billion by the 2010-11 fiscal year. Profits are forecast to jump by $175 million from $1.035 billion to $1.21 billion. BCLC vice-president Kevin Gass said lottery income will remain flat, rising from about $240 million this year to $260 million by 2010-11. "Most revenue increases will come from the facilities side, including casinos and community gaming centres," Gass said. Revenue from community gaming centres (upgraded bingo halls with slot machines, off-track betting, food and beverage and entertainment) is forecast to increase from about $116 million this year to $284 million by 2010-11. Revenue from traditional bingo halls is expected to decline from $114 million to just $6 million during the same period.
There are currently 12 community gaming centres in B.C. and four communities have approved new facilities - Castlegar, Terrace, Abbotsford and Langley District. Casino revenues over the next three years are forecast to rise from $1.3 billion to more than $1.5 billion with the last major new casino in B.C. scheduled to open in Burnaby in four months. Expansion projects are also planned for existing casino facilities in Nanaimo, View Royal and Richmond. BCLC says public support for legalized gambling in B.C. has increased from 51 per cent to 62 per cent in the past two years and it wants to push that support to 64 per cent by 2010-11.
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