News release

New Responsible Gaming Features on VLTs

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (to Dec. 2012)

Nova Scotia will be the first jurisdiction in North America to introduce features on video lottery terminals (VLTs) designed to discourage excessive playing.

Over the next two to three years, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation will replace 3,200 of its existing VLTs with newer, more responsible machines. The new VLTs will also offer more interactive games and will accept bills as well as coins.

"The new machines will have four responsible gaming features built right into the play of the machine," said Marie Mullally, acting president and CEO of the gaming corporation. "This is a first in North America. We will be working with manufacturers to have these features developed as part of the gaming corporation's VLT replacement plan."

The features include ways to slow and interrupt play and provide reality checks to players--both of which experts say could help problem gamblers control their VLT play. Specifically, the features include: a permanent clock, reminding players of the actual time; a pop-up reminder advising players how long they've been playing, which also asks if they want to continue; showing amounts wagered in dollars rather than credits; and a mandatory cash out whereby players will be forced to cash out their winnings after a prescribed time frame.

"Nova Scotia has led the way in the past with its commitment to responsible gaming through innovative training programs and one of the highest contributions from gaming revenue for problem gambling programs on a per capita and profit basis. This includes funding for the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation and $1 million annually to Addiction Services of the Department of Health," said Ms. Mullally. "With these new features, Nova Scotia will again emerge as an industry leader."

It is expected the first new machines will be in place in late spring.

The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is a Crown corporation responsible for the conduct and management of gaming businesses in the province. It is designed to maximize net revenue to Nova Scotia in a responsible manner. Its operations include lotteries and casinos.