| The Hastings Park slot machine debate |
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Jul 18, 2004 |
| A random telephone sample of 425 Vancouver City residents between July 13-19, 2004. Some of the questions asked in this survey were also asked in Vancouver City in October 2003, with a similar result. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 5.6%, 18 times out of 20, @18% competency. |
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Question #1
-In your opinion is increased gambling including slot machines a desirable way to raise revenues for the City of Vancouver?
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| Yes |
|
45.00 % |
| No |
|
47.30 % |
| Undecided |
|
7.80 % |
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Question #2
Are you against Vancouver City Council approving a license for slot machines at Hastings Racetrack?
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| Yes |
|
43.30 % |
| No |
|
53.00 % |
| Undecided |
|
3.60 % |
|
Question #3
In your opinion do the revenues derived from increased gambling in the City of Vancouver sufficiently compensate for the potential social problems they create?
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| Yes |
|
41.50 % |
| No |
|
50.20 % |
| Undecided |
|
8.50 % |
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Question #4
Do you approve of Vancouver City Council approving a license for slot machines at Hastings Racetrack?
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| Yes |
|
50.40 % |
| No |
|
47.60 % |
| Undecided |
|
2.20 % |
| Commentary |
| Commentary-Respondents in the City of Vancouver are split down the middle on gambling generally and slot machines for Hastings Racetrack, when one factors in the margin of error. Respondents in Vancouver mirror respondents in other surveys conducted by ROBBINS in the Lower Mainland, Victoria, and elsewhere in BC, who see gambling revenues as a necessary evil. The introduction of slot machines derives slightly lower approval ratings than ‘gambling generally’. In this survey, horse race wagering has been around for some time, including at Hastings Racetrack. Respondents recognize this, realize that a Racetrack in a first class city should not be second rate, and currently Hastings is a third rate race track, and has been for some time. |
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