Nick Rupcich
As attested by the local media the casino gambling market in the Windsor area has changed significantly over the last ten years. The opening of Casino Windsor in May of 1994 mirrored the opening of Resorts International in Atlantic City back in the mid seventies. Two major casinos built in major untapped gambling markets in North America saw similar results. When you're first out of the gate with no competition to worry about, business practices are based on what the market will bear and not what your nearby competitor is offering. Both Resorts International and Casino Windsor enjoyed their busiest and most profitable time while they had total control of the market in their respective jurisdictions. These were the days when gamblers paid for parking only to wait in long line-ups for a spot at a machine or table. Minimum table game bets were $25, weeding out the gawkers and token gamblers.

A 1995 report for the provincial government stated that casino visitors traveling to Windsor were made up of 83% Americans and 17% Canadians. The report also identified 20% of casino gamblers as local residents.

Competition soon followed in Atlantic City and in the Windsor area and the market began to shift. While SARS, the border backlogs, the Casino Windsor strike and the 911 terrorist attacks are cited as the major factors contributing to the shift in market demand, none were sustained like the competition factor.

A recent research study out of Alberta reported a finding that a disproportionate amount of casino revenue (35%) came from the losses of problem gamblers. If this finding accurately reflects our local experience, then we believe that the rehabilitation of local residents who have collectively lost tens of millions of dollars has also had an impact. If Windsor Regional Hospital's gambling program continues its' success, a decrease in revenue from individuals unable to gamble responsibly can be a good thing.

Nick Rupcich

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