Item - 2020.HL13.9

The Board of Health:

1.  Requested the Medical Officer of Health, in collaboration with other public health units and relevant City divisions, to consult with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and other responsible gambling experts on the feasibility and related costs of using the existing tools to monitor the social and health impacts on Toronto residents due to the broader expansion of gambling in the Greater Toronto Area and to report to the Board of Health.

City Council formally approved expanded gambling at Casino Woodbine (formerly OLG Slots at Woodbine) over a year ago.

The Board of Health raised concerns about the potential health impacts of this expansion and reiterated support for City Council's May 21, 2013 decision which opposed gambling expansion in Toronto. Gambling expansion has also occurred (or is planned to occur) in a number of municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including Ajax and Pickering.

Residents remain concerned about the potential social and health impacts due to the rapid pace of expanded gambling in the GTA on our neighbours.

The Board of Health and Toronto City Council must be sure we are prepared and able to respond to impacts of expanded and more accessible gambling venues across the GTA.