This Focal Research Consultants Limited report is the first phase of a multi-phase study examining the My-Play System, Nova Scotia's new card-based player system for video lottery terminals (VLTs).
Background:
In 2010, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation introduced the My-Play System, which is intended to help no- and low-risk VLT players manage and monitor their gambling.
In an effort to determine the impact of the system on high-risk and problem gamblers, the NSGF commissioned Focal Research Consultants to conduct the first phase of a multiphase study that will measure players' behaviours and attitudes before and after the implementation of the My-Play System. In the first phase, 500 regular VLT players were surveyed about their gambling attitudes and behaviours.
Preliminary results from phase one suggest that high-risk and problem VLT players are more predisposed to take advantage of the system and the features than low- and no-risk players are.
In order to evaluate any changes in VLT players' gambling attitudes and behaviours associated with the use of the My-Play System, the study's second phase will revisit the original VLT players and a randomly selected control group to compare the first phase findings.
The NSGF solicited three peer reviews. Electronic copies of these - as well as the peer review procedure, original reports, and Focal Research Consultants' response to the reviews - are available upon request.
