Should Provinces Expand Gambling?

State-sponsored gambling is now widespread in both Canada and the United States. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of gambling as a revenue-raising instrument for government. We begin by outlining key principles, and then demonstrate how a realistic appraisal of the economic and employment effects of expansion can be achieved. Next, we evaluate gambling as a source of revenue and jobs. A discussion of cost issues and a brief treatment of First Nations' gambling follows. Recommendations complete the paper.