News release

Province Releases First Gaming Strategy

Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (to Dec. 2012)

Nova Scotia's first gaming strategy focuses on enhanced treatment and prevention and is designed to reduce problem gambling in the province.

Premier John Hamm today, April 6, released the comprehensive five-year plan to initiate change in gambling across Nova Scotia.

"Starting today, we are on a clearer, more balanced path when it comes to gambling in this province," said Premier Hamm. "Our goal is to create a better balance by reducing problem gambling, reducing reliance on revenue from video lottery and problem gamblers, increasing social responsibility, and increasing accountability."

The strategy focuses on an increased investment and key initiatives in problem gambling treatment and prevention. It also includes a reduction in the number of VLTs, a reduction in the hours for VLT operations, and machine modifications that will slow down the speed of play.

"The cornerstones of this strategy are treatment and prevention," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Treatment is the only way to help those whose lives have been affected by problem gambling. And, looking forward, prevention is the best way to limit the number of problem gamblers we have in the future."

The strategy outlines a total of 23 initiatives for change. Highlights include:

  • A $3-million investment in problem gambling treatment and prevention programs;
  • Increasing problem gambling treatment resources based on the needs to be determined by District Health Authorities;
  • Developing an early identification/intervention program for at-risk players;
  • Real-world testing to determine the best model for providing treatment to problem gamblers (a comprehensive treatment demonstration research project);
  • Establishing a comprehensive problem gambling strategy;
  • Continuing discussions with First Nations to implement a more socially responsible gaming model and to help address problem gambling on reserves;
  • Launching a public awareness program;
  • Developing targeted education programs (youth and seniors);
  • Developing a community-based prevention program;
  • Implementing a financial counselling services program;
  • Opening on-site resource centres at the casinos;
  • Commissioning a socio-economic study;
  • Removing 1,000 VLTs across all profit retail locations -- 800 by Nov. 1, 2005, and 200 additional machines through attrition. VLTs at Legions and not-for-profit locations will be maintained due to their unique contribution as a funding source for community causes.
  • Reducing the hours for VLT operation by eliminating the midnight to close timeframe, when there is a disproportionate number of problem gamblers playing;
  • Slowing down play by removing the "stop" button feature on all VLTs;
  • Reducing the speed of games by 30 per cent;
  • Pilot testing card-based player management tools for VLTs.

Due to the timing of implementation, the anticipated financial impact of the strategy is $22 million for 2005-06, comprised of a $19 million reduction in gaming revenues and the $3 million investment in treatment and prevention. Moving forward, the annualized impact is expected to be $40 million.

"The bottom line tells our true commitment," said Finance Minister Peter Christie. "We are making a clear statement about our priority when it comes to gaming -- that is, social responsibility comes first. Our end goal is to reduce our reliance on revenues from VLTs and problem gamblers. This is the right thing to do."

The strategy was produced after extensive discussion and a comprehensive review and evaluation of existing information on gambling. This included the results of stakeholder meetings and public feedback, a review of empirical research and literature, an analysis of other jurisdictions' experiences and models, and experts' review and analysis.

The strategy was guided by a multi-department steering committee consisting of the departments of Environment and Labour, Finance, Health, the Office of Health Promotion, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, and Treasury and Policy Board.

"This strategy will result in real and significant change in gambling in Nova Scotia," said the premier. "We are committed to monitoring the impact of the initiatives and altering our course where evidence indicates that we should. In the end, the strategy will benefit all Nova Scotians."

The gaming strategy is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/gaming .