British Columbia, Canada has, like many governments turned to gambling expansion to increase tax revenues during a time where every new source of revenue is welcomed.  They managed to do so with out going back on a ten year old promise made by Gordon Campbell.  Back in 1999, Gordon Campbell promised that no new casinos would emerge in British Columbia. 

So how did British Columbia managed to expand gambling without new casino venues springing up in neighborhoods and producing unbearable traffic and noise?  They managed to utilize the gambling industry in two very clever ways.

Initially, to prevent problem gambling, a $120 per week wagering limit was set on gamblers playing in the British Columbian Lottery Corporation.  That limit received a several thousand dollar boost.  Now, players are allowed to wager as much as $9,999 each week.  It is well known by governments all over the world that it is extremely easy to raise money off of gambling.  For British Columbia it was just a matter of taking the self imposed chains off of their gambling industry.

The next thing they did was embrace online casinos.  British Columbia is among the few territories in North America to regulate online casinos.  It is a smart move.  Online casinos are a great way for governments to raise revenue without affecting the quality of living in communities and towns.  The online casino industry is worth many billions of dollars and is only looking to rise in the coming decades.  Online casinos are really the future of gambling expansion for the world’s governments.