VLT Redeployment Initiative on Hold

The government of Nova Scotia has asked that the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. shelve its plan to move some video lottery terminals or VLTs to establishments where there was higher demand.

"The VLT redeployment initiative was affecting a variety of groups," said Neil LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Part I of the Gaming Control Act. "For now, we've asked that this program be suspended until the government has had the opportunity to fully assess the broader impacts of this initiative."

A number of VLT retailers had received notices related to the redeployment program. It was estimated that about 60 terminals would have been relocated in December.

"We recognize that with our gaming businesses there are often policy considerations beyond the parameters of a strictly business approach, and it is the government's responsibility to address policy matters," said Dara Gordon, vice-chair of the gaming corporation.

The Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. is a Crown corporation responsible for the conduct and management of gaming in the province to maximize net revenue to Nova Scotia in a responsible manner. Its operations include lotteries, casinos and harness racing.