Self-exclusion Program Won't Work, Say Researchers

N.S. GAMING CORP./HEALTH PROMOTION--Self-exclusion Program Won't Work, Say Researchers

A self-exclusion program that relies on other people to identify problem gamblers who return to video lottery terminals (VLTs) will not work, an independent research firm has concluded.

Research conducted by Focal Research Consultants Ltd., and funded by the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation, examined the concept of a voluntary self-exclusion program from January to May 2004.

The main findings of Focal Research included:

• a VLT self-exclusion program that relies on identification by a third party (for example bar or retail staff) is not efficient or effective over the long term; and
• confidentiality of those enrolled in the self-exclusion program cannot be guaranteed.

Researchers also recommended focusing on player card technology, which allows the VLT player to set spending limits and provides an account summary to track how much has been spent.

A pilot program testing these concepts is expected to get underway in the next two weeks.

A copy of the self-exclusion research report is available on the website at www.gamingcorp.ns.ca

The research project was developed in partnership with the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the Office of Health Promotion and the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority.