How to handle revenue acquired from the controversial pastime of gambling has been a political hot potato since bingo, lottery and casino funds were first disbursed.

It can be argued that gambling addictions cause social strife and hardship, so it only makes sense that government profits from gambling should be used to improve society through distribution of grants to community-minded groups and projects. Except for some specific controversies over the years, it’s a system that has worked for all parties.

It was the NDP who first saw the potential for gambling revenues to ease a government’s financial pain. Back in the late 1990s the then-provincial government changed the rules so that more gambling and money-raising could occur.

In the 2008/09 fiscal year, the province earned $1.08 billion from net gaming revenues and disbursed $156.2 million of that amount.

Gambling revenue has again been raided to address the government’s budget problems, but in such a dramatic way and without notice to those affected that B.C.’s non-profit world is in an uproar. The worst part of what’s happened is the timing: some groups have suddenly had the rug pulled out from under them.

From what we’ve heard so far, the one-third budget loss to the Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre has the most immediate local impact. This bare-bones-staffed crew attends to myriad animal emergencies, covering a huge blank spot in government or non-profit services. Its personnel and volunteers don’t have time to hold bake sales.

As cynical thinkers we’d be inclined to believe environmental groups were chopped because their members don’t vote Liberal anyway. The decision-making process was probably more complex than that, and the government maintains it has maintained programs for the most vulnerable in society.

Ironically, in the case of the Island Stream and Salmon Enhancement Society, both the environment and at-risk individuals employed benefitted from gaming grants. What is the social and monetary cost of dealing with someone whose wages and meaningful activity will be taken from them?

In the meantime, some valued community groups will be asking for more private funds to make up for sudden shortfalls. For those who can afford it, it’s the time to say yes.