24-Jan-09. Chief finds loophole in smoking ban, opens smoking room in casino. National Post, A10.

Terry Nelson, chief of Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, has found a loophole that lets him lure smokers to gamble on the edge of Winnipeg, despite a ban on smoking in Manitoba casinos. An agreement signed by six First Nations groups with the Manitoba Lotteries Commission in July calls for smoke-free facilities in rooms where video lottery terminals (VLTs) are located. Nelson says that smoking is therefore permitted in separate designated smoking rooms within the buildings. The Commission accepts this interpretation of the gaming agreements as being legal.

25-Mar-06. Manitoba ponders agency for native-run gambling. Globe and Mail, A8.

This newsbrief says that the Manitoba government is considering setting up a separate gambling authority for aboriginals. Gaming Minister Dave Chomiak says that the idea relates to the move toward native self-government.

27-Feb-06. Addicted to VLTs. National Post, A12.

In this brief editorial, it is noted that the Saskatchewan government has ordered a study to examine whether lowering the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) would help reduce problem gambling. A research article suggests that Saskatchewan and Manitoba have the largest number of VLTs per capita in Canada, as well as the highest rates of problem gambling.

18-Aug-05. Native casino will be a smokers’ haven. Calgary Herald, A4.

The Roseau River First Nation in Manitoba is set to open a $1-million centre on Friday that will offer bingo halls and 20 video lottery terminals. Manitoba’s anti-smoking law does not apply to aboriginal reserves and may be an advantage in attracting patrons. Non-native bar owners in the province are expressing anger over the unequal application of the smoking law.