Per year the government of Alberta brings in $800 million, through the use of VLT s. This money can go towards many things, such as building or repairing roads. The issue that is concerning Alberta s citizens is whether Video Lottery Terminals should remain in our province. A very popular view is to keep VLT s. These people have a very right wing view. They believe governments should not protect the people from VLT s, therefore, the people should seek help if they have gambling addictions. The people in favor of banning are more on the left wing of the political spectrum. They believe in large government support. This means they feel the government should ban VLT s, because only a small amount of people have gambling addictions and some feel it is morally wrong. These views make banning VLT s a difficult decision and a highly debatable topic. Should the government have more control to protect society, or should individuals take responsibility for themselves with less government interference? I strongly believe that VLT s are not damaging enough to our society for our government to take more control and ban Video Lottery Terminals. There are people who believe that VLT s are harmful to society and should be removed. They fear for the families of addicts and regard the harm they do to people as proof that government interventions are needed. There views are flawed, however, as these problems do not justify denying citizens their right to freedom of choice. Most arguments in favor of banning VLT s are not convincing or well supported. People argue that VLT s are one of the most addictive habits in Alberta gambling. This argument presents a flaw due to the numerous people with alcohol and drug addictions. If we were to ban VLT s would that lead to prohibition? Another argument they hold true is how VLT s are a cause of suicide. On the other hand drugs and alcohol have been known to be major causes of suicide, yet alcohol and some drugs are still legal. Some feel that nothing is given in return for the money put into a VLT. A VLT provides the consumer with entertainment and excitement, because the chance of winning is appealing. If VLT s were banned, this could possibly go underground and be controlled by the Mob. Has a drug addict gone underground to get what he wanted, fear would not stop a desperate addict. Regardless of the addiction desperate measure will be taken to get want they desire. The odds in winning the jackpot on a VLT may be risky, but shouldn t we have the freedom to choose if we want to put the money in and pull the handle?

I feel VLT s should not be banned. VLT s have been creating wealth throughout the entire world. Since 1992 the government of Alberta has been generating $800 million every year. This is extremely beneficial to the citizens of Alberta, because this money goes towards charities and children s sports events. In the city of Las Vegas a college student was playing on a VLT and won the largest amount of money in history $18.9 million. Computer technology has increased the pay off to players. Computers have also helped to create different types of games. This makes it much more interesting for the player. This bring up a question whether Video Lottery Terminals are played for entertainment or because of an addiction? VLT s are addicting for a small number of people. This does not mean that the majority should loose their freedom to choose because of this minority. VLT s are not the only form of addictive gambling. There are also bingo halls, lottery tickets, horse racing, slot machines and other sorts of casino gambling. Why should VLT s be banned when all of these other forms of gambling are legal? Video Lottery Terminals are not harmful enough to our society, and we should not let the government take away our freedom to choose. These terminals have been creating wealth, enhancing technology, creating jobs, and even supporting our government. Jobs have been created by VLT s for engineers and programmers. Technology has been very useful. Microchips have replaced gears and wheels in VLT s. Video Lottery Terminals have been creating wealth for our government and some lucky players.