McIntyre Media Inc.

The loud bells of jackpot wins, dazzling flashing lights, and the all-you-can-eat buffet -- it all sounds and looks very exciting. It says "Winner!" And for Ontario's 350,000 problem gamblers, it's what entices many of them to Ontario casinos -- and it's what keeps them there. Gambling has become big business for government. Last year alone, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) brought in $6 billion from its casinos and lotteries -- and almost $2 billion in pure profit from its 27 gaming venues in the province. But with all those profits come problems. Surrounded by those loud bells and flashing lights are problem gamblers -- people who have an urge to gamble despite harmful consequences or a desire to stop gambling. According to the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, 36 per cent of the OLGC's revenue comes from problem gamblers.