Important point missed

The discussion of a casino co-located with the home of the Ottawa Senators seems to have missed one important point that has been discussed with and by at least some of our elected council. Indeed, I believe that the idea of a casino at or near the home of the Sens is so reprehensible and the response from the Senators so weak that I have cancelled my season’s tickets and received a full refund. (I have had tickets for more than 10 years.)

There are enough problem gamblers in this country without exposing children to the problem before they are able to make an informed lifestyle decision. It may well give the thousands of impressionable children who go to watch the Senators the idea that gambling, like the Sens, is good.

It isn’t — at least not for those who become problem gamblers. This exposure could well set the stage for even more of the negative social consequences and mental health issues associated with gambling — bankruptcies, suicides, broken families and the like. I would think that 200 suicides a year in Canada attributed to the results of gambling would be enough of a warning sign.

When I explained my concern and my actions to a friend who is a child psychiatrist (and also a hockey fan) the response was “bravo.” Given the support of the Senators in the area of mental health issues, this initiative on the part of Eugene Melnyk seems strange.

Having a casino at the Rideau Carleton Raceway allows it to be largely out of sight of children, and that is fine with me.

BOB RYERSON, Manotick