The worryingly high stakes of VIP gambling in Ontario

Plus, revolt at a Chinese iPhone factory and more contradiction at the Emergencies Act inquiry [Get access now!]( [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on online gambling in Ontario, iPhone factory workers in China and the Emergencies Act inquiry. DON’T MISS Susan Kao/Toronto Star Illustration gambling [An insider says Ontario gambling VIP programs aim to stop high-spenders from quitting — even when they want to]( The U.K. has already seen it. Since 2005 legislation allowed for the expansion of VIP programs, more and more gamblers have been lured into spending beyond their means, developing serious mental health problems along the way, critics say. Now, just a few months after Ontario legalized privately run online gambling, major operators here are rolling out their own VIP programs. One industry insider with direct knowledge of the programs has spoken out to the Star about concerns that operators are knowingly encouraging high-frequency gamblers to make larger and more frequent bets. [Christine Dobby reports on what we know about gambling in Ontario and the human toll of addiction](. - Wait, what? The insider said some VIP employees at two operators are informally encouraged to do everything in their power to retain customers, including taking steps to dissuade high-spending players — internally referred to as “degenerates” — from using responsible gambling tools to bar themselves from a company’s online sites and apps. - The aftermath: “If gambling is like a drug — and for many people it is — this is effectively a strengthening of the dose,” one critic said of VIP programs. - More: If you need help with problem gambling, mental health and addiction you can contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. AFP Photo explainer [iPhone factory revolt: What's next after police beat Chinese workers protesting wages and COVID policy?]( Video emerged this week showing police in Zhengzhou, China, kicking and clubbing protesting factory workers — shining new light on longstanding labour complaints among the people who build the world’s iPhones. Production has slowed amid recent COVID outbreaks at the Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, and worker unrest has erupted over pay and risk of infection. The executive director of advocacy group China Labour Watch says workers are suffering from “double exploitation” by their government and international corporations. [Jeremy Nuttall and Joanna Chiu]( it all down in this explainer](. - Context: Foxconn also manufactures iPhones in India and Vietnam, but most Apple products are assembled in Chinese factory complexes employing hundreds of thousands of workers, many of whom live in crowded dormitories. In a statement in October, Foxconn said it is using “closed-loop management” in Zhengzhou, meaning employees live in their workplace with no outside contact. - More: In the past, Apple has had to step in to meet its corporate responsibility, one expert said. The most notable example was the corporation taking remedial measures after a string of suicides at Foxconn’s Shenzhen factory. Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick Emergencies act inquiry [Top Justin Trudeau officials say the Emergencies Act may need an overhaul]( Following Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s claim that last winter’s blockade of Ottawa and along the border was a grave threat to Canada’s national security because it risked immediate and long-term economic damage, top Trudeau officials say the Emergencies Act may need to be overhauled. They say it should more clearly address “modern threats” that include risks to Canada’s economic security that could also cause physical harm or violence. Tonda MacCharles and Alex Ballingall report on [conversations Freeland recalled with American officials about U.S. car plants having to shut down](. - Wait, what? The government’s claim that economic security threats are covered by the Emergencies Act has been highly contentious throughout the inquiry. - More: Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office say former Conservative interim leader Candice Bergen told Justin Trudeau there would be “significant concerns” to consider in meeting with convoy participants, the Emergencies Act inquiry heard Thursday. [In a statement to the Star, Bergen said the call went differently](. - Meanwhile: The lawyer for the “Freedom Convoy” was [called an “idiot” after a case of mistaken identity](. - Althia Raj’s take: [Did the “Freedom Convoy” start the most Canadian crisis ever?]( WHAT ELSE The fight for control of the company that publishes the Toronto Star is over. [Here’s where things stand.]( Ontario’s online health sites are about to come crashing down to earth — [and it could happen as soon as Dec. 1](. Cops posed as underage sex workers and charged 104 men with offences. [Here’s why the Supreme Court ruled it wasn’t entrapment](. [Ottawa is acting “contrary to reconciliation”]( in its latest move on a First Nations child welfare agreement, one advocate says. Public floggings. Women banned from parks. [“This is the Taliban 2.0?”]( Here’s when — and why — [fireworks could be banned in Brampton](. A cyclist’s death after being struck and dragged by a truck [points to danger at a midtown Toronto intersection](. Danielle Smith’s Alberta is [flush with cash and looks recession-proof]( finance officials say. In professional sports, the Argos are working class heroes. [It makes their Grey Cup victory that much sweeter](. [Tim Hortons is getting posh in London, England]( with premium positioning — and up to double the price. [Hey, Balenciaga: Do not sexualize children](. The brand needs to do more than apologize. Toronto health inspectors found [major infractions at these 16 restaurants this week](. POV Bruce Bennett/Getty Images [Börje Salming was the soul of the Leafs. He overcame so much.]( CLOSE-UP Steve Russell/The Star TORONTO: An unhoused person’s tent sits under the Gardiner Expressway on May, 13, 2020. [If you lost your home, could you find shelter?]( A Star analysis details a system in crisis. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_155572). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. Get unlimited access to the Star Subscribe for our best offer of the year: $12 for 12 months [Get Access Now]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. 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