Gaming Revenue Unchanged

Gaming revenue remains largely unchanged for the second year in a row.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation released its 2014-15 financial statements today, July 23, which focused on its continued commitment to offering a responsible and accountable industry where profits help support community programs and services.

The payment to province in 2014-15 was $123.5 million with $6.3 million invested in responsible gambling programs, education and treatment.

"We are proud to be at the helm of the province's regulated gaming industry, ensuring games are fun, safe and responsible," said Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation.

"We believe it is important for all Nova Scotians, whether they choose to gamble or not, to know how social responsibility underscores everything we do. With our operators, Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Casino Nova Scotia, we reach almost every community in the province with entertainment for Nova Scotians and visitors, and we are proud of the contributions we deliver."

The corporation's two designated ticket lottery programs are raising funds for causes that are important to Nova Scotians. Support4Sport is now the largest single source of sport funding in the province. Nova Scotians have raised more than $27 million since it began in 2006, funding 1,000 athlete grants, 90 coach-employment grants and thousands of community sport programs. Support4Culture has raised a total of $4 million for Nova Scotia arts, culture and heritage.

The payment to province is relatively unchanged from last year, coming in $242,000 higher. Decreases in profits from ticket lottery and casino were offset by an increase in the video lottery business line. This is largely attributed to the replacement of obsolete terminals and new games, as well as the return of casual players since removing the My-Play system in September.

With a mandate to deliver 100 per cent of profits from regulated gaming to help support government programs and services, the corporation and its operators are proud to be key contributors to the Nova Scotia economy. The province's responsible gaming industry generates 531 direct jobs, has a network of almost 1,400 ticket and video lottery retailers who collectively earned $34.7 million in commissions.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation's full financial statements are available at http://www.gamingns.ca .