Slot machines coming to B.C. Ferries?

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      These days, it costs $15.50 per passenger and $51.25 per vehicle to ride the ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. But soon B.C. Ferries passengers who are feeling lucky may have the chance to win back the cost of their fares (or lose their life savings).

      That's right, the B.C. government is considering turning the province's ferries into floating casinos. The news came in the form of a press release today (November 18) that also describes various ferry service cuts. The release states:

      The government of B.C. is also considering the introduction of a pilot project to assess the viability of gaming, and is seeking feedback on introducing gaming as a permanent revenue-generating program on major routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. The pilot project would be implemented on BC Ferries' busiest route between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen. If successful, gaming revenue would help reduce the pressure on fares with net revenues reinvested into the ferry system to support general fares.

      The provincial government says new revenues sources, such as gambling, could help make the ferry system "affordable and sustainable" in the future. According to the release, the government has provided $1.4 billion in funding to B.C. Ferries over the last 10 years, even as fares have risen.

      Got an opinion on gambling-dependent ferries? The province has launched a public consultation website to gather feedback on this and other proposals. The deadline for input is December 20.

      A discussion guide on the consultation site notes that any slot machines on ferries would be placed in a "secure area" with "restricted access".

      Comments

      5 Comments

      How about

      Nov 18, 2013 at 12:23pm

      funneling the RIDICULOUS management/executive bonuses, oh I'm sorry, "salary holdbacks", into reducing pressure on fares...just saying!

      Wayne Jacobs

      Nov 18, 2013 at 1:24pm

      BC Ferries is our water road. Like our land roads, it should be toll-free, despite being expensive to build and maintain. Demand an end to all ferry fares, immediately! Slot machines are a secondary consideration.

      RUK

      Nov 18, 2013 at 2:33pm

      You know who got lucky on the ferry? Karl Lilgert! Get it!

      RM Schram

      Nov 19, 2013 at 5:29pm

      And I thought the fast ferry felt like a night club. I think I almost prefer that to a casino.

      Rule of Law

      Dec 26, 2013 at 6:25pm

      Here is an idea that the bc ferries half million dollar a year CEO can have for free: if bc ferries must rely on gaming revenues to fund the ferries, then get provincial approval to open a stand alone casino, with all profits going to supplement ferry revenue. Do not under any circumstances ruin the family environment in the ferry with slot machines.