BC Ferries Eyes Gambling as a Source of Revenue

Passengers on BC Ferries are facing service cuts and an increase in fares for seniors, however, they will be pleased to hear that there will soon be slot machines on-board according to measures proposed by the provincial government.

Canadian Transportation Minister Todd Stone announced the changes and said there will be an 8% reduction in the number of sailings. BC Ferries is suffering from its lowest passenger traffic in decades as labor and fuel costs soar. The company is also facing significant costs to maintain its aging fleet and terminals.

Stone also said that the government is looking at a pilot scheme to install slot machines on its busiest route between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen. The idea is to use the machines to generate more revenue. The pilot is being used to get an idea of how much revenue could be generated by permanent gaming on major routes.

Under the terms of the pilot the machines will be owned by the B.C. Lottery Corp, however, BC Ferries staff will be trained to monitor them. There was no information provided about how many machines will be installed or any specifics regarding games.