News release

Government to Remove My-Play System from VLTs

Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation (Jan. 2013 - July 2018)

Government is removing the My-Play System from the province's video lottery terminals (VLTs) after learning the system is not meeting objectives.

The My-Play System was adopted to give players information about their current and past VLT activity to help them make informed decisions about their play.

The system will move to a voluntary model Friday, Aug. 22, and will start to be disabled Monday, Sept. 8.

"While the My-Play System may have been a reasonable attempt to improve responsible gaming features on VLTs, in the end, it did not reduce play by people with gambling addictions, and in fact, the vast majority of play sessions didn't even use the main features of the product," said Andrew Younger, Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act.

"In addition to providing responsible gambling programs and being mindful of people with gambling addictions, we must also be mindful of public dollars. We have reached the conclusion that, given the system does not work as intended, further spending of public dollars on it is not reasonable."

The system became mandatory on all VLTs in Nova Scotia in April 2012, and a My-Play card was required. Despite efforts to promote the responsible gambling features, only a small percentage of players were using the real-time and historical information. Other mandatory responsible gambling features will remain on VLTs to help players manage their play, including mandatory cash outs.

"The My-Play System will be removed in the coming weeks. We do understand that there is a need to have support and services for those affected by problem gambling," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "We continue to offer gambling support services throughout the province for all Nova Scotians, and I would encourage anyone affected by problem gambling to please call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-347-8888 or seek assistance through their local health provider."

"Our priority is to ensure a responsible, accountable and sustainable approach to gaming in the province and we will continue to operate in this manner," said Mr. Younger.