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Nov 5, 2020 11:12 PM -

Efforts in 2017 to control the illegal practice at casinos created a "ghost town effect"

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Commissioner Austin Cullen listens to introductions before opening statements at the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia, in Vancouver, on February 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

An inquiry into money laundering in BC has been told that efforts in 2017 to control the illegal practice at casinos across the province created a ``ghost town effect'' but only for a few weeks.

Daryl Tottenham, manager of anti-money laundering programs for the BC Lottery Corporation testified this morning that the crackdown led to a dramatic reduction in casino revenues for two or three weeks.

He says all gamblers, not just the high-end players stayed away, but the chill lifted quickly.

Commissioner Austin Cullen is leading the inquiry which was launched by the NDP government after reports that illegal cash was helping to fuel the real estate, luxury car and gambling sectors in BC.

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