PSB chair slams new Rock, Paper, Scissors scratchlottery game

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Desmond Devoy

EMC News - The re-elected chairperson of the Mississippi Mills police services board (PSB) is slamming the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for its new Rock, Paper, Scissors scratch lottery game, claiming that they are being aimed at children.

"Has anyone else been offended by this?" asked Grant Chaplin during the PSB meeting on Feb. 8.

"I don't mind that we have voluntary taxation through gambling," he said, but noted his 11-year-old grandson had seen a television ad for the game, and had asked him if he could play it.

"I find it offensive that they are directing their advertising towards children," he said.

"I am not sure if that is the direction of this committee," said fellow board member Anne Mason.

"Lotteries are covered under the Criminal Code," countered Chaplin.

"As a community issue, we could notify our council," said Mississippi Mills Mayor John Levi, who added he was scheduled to meet with Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Jack MacLaren on Feb. 13, and he would bring it to MacLaren's attention.

"It is as bad, or worse, than some of the video games that kids play," said Coun. Denzil Ferguson. "Some of them encourage murder."

Chaplin noted the regular rock, paper, scissors game is often played by children on the playground, though some older people do use it to settle who will do an unpopular task.

"I'll have to go ask my grandchildren about it, and get tuned in on it," said Levi.

"My kids play it in the front seat of the car all the time," said the board's secretary, Diane Smithson.

desmond.devoy@metroland.com