In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1986. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: Following the passing of an omnibus bill in 1969 that allowed federal and provincial governments to run lotteries, BC joined with other western provinces to form the Wester Canada Lottery Foundation in 1974. In 1985, BC established the BC Lottery Corporation, a Crown corporation, which continues to manage commercial gambling in BC, including lotteries. This did not, however, legalize gambling on a municipal level.
Question: Do you think gambling should be legalized in Whistler?
Tom Sawyer – Retired – Whistler
No. Why? I come from Lake Tahoe, California, where there’s lots of it. It’s an easily addictive vice and people find themselves spending money they can’t really afford. They make it too easy to gamble. I’ve found I don’t have enough willpower to do it.
Nick Di Lalla – Retired – Whistler
I do. I jut think it would be beneficial to the area. Plus people who don’t ski would have an alternative activity. Crime? We’ve got crime now. You’re going to get crime no matter what you do. The more activities we get here the better it will be for the area.
Tom Notterman – Student – North Vancouver
Sure I think they should permit it. It’s something else to do and it’s enjoyable. People have a really good time when they gamble. I’m not a gambler but I know lots of people who do gamble. I don’t think there would be any problem with related crime.