The Ottawa Public Health agency has requested $200,000 annually from the city government to create and operate a treatment program for people addicted to gambling.
It has requested permission to petition the Ontario government for $150,000 one-time funding and $200,000 annually. In its report the agency said mental health issues, drug abuse and other social ills are tied up with an increase in gambling addiction.
Currently the city is considering a request from Hard Rock Casino Ottawa to approve a $318 expansion of the Rideau Carleton Raceway. Ottawa Public Health doesn’t support the expansion, but wants to be able to treat the expected increase in problem gambling if it goes forward.
“Regardless of whether the casino expansion occurs, we are already recognizing that there is an issue that needs to be addressed,” said a spokesman. Statistically there should be an estimated 15,000 residents of the city who gambling addicts, but currently only 500 are seeking treatment, says the agency.
