The Green Party of Nova Scotia thinks video lottery terminals should be banned in this province.
But other provincial politicians don’t share this view.
Green Party Leader Ryan Watson says the revenues the provincial government takes in from VLTs is outweighed by the social and economic costs of the machines — everything from crime to job loss to suicides and family breakups.
"I think we are all uncomfortable making money off the addictions of citizens," Mr. Watson said in an interview Saturday. "What extra spending is being required because we are sanctioning this practice? They don’t know."
The Greens think a ban should happen quickly, rather than phasing the machines out.
"There’s no need to dilly-dally," Mr. Watson said.
Finance Minister Jamie Muir, who is not re-offering, said a ban on the machines would just drive them underground.
"They are going to be here anyway," Mr. Muir said Saturday. "The most appropriate role for government is to regulate and make it safe and secure and responsible as possible."
Video lottery terminals, which were legalized in 1991, were initially allowed in corner stores, laundromats and other neighbourhood businesses, but in 1993 the machines were restricted to age-controlled, licensed liquor establishments.
In 2005, the Tory government, under then-premier John Hamm, pulled the plug on 800 machines and said another 200 would be decommissioned through attrition. The province also imposed a daily midnight shutdown time for the machines. According to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corp., Nova Scotia took in $140.7 million in VLT revenues in 2007-08 from 2,234 machines in bars, legions and licensed establishments.
In the fall, Mr. Muir said players across the province will be able to register for a card to track wins and losses, set playing limits and ban themselves from playing at certain times.
Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil said an outright VLT ban just isn’t realistic because the province doesn’t have jurisdiction over the machines that are in First Nations communities.
"You can’t allow them in one part of Nova Scotia and then not in another part," he said. Mr. McNeil said there needs to be negotiations between Ottawa, the province and the First Nations to see if the machines can be eliminated. Nova Scotia needs to bring the number of machines per capita in line with the national average, Mr. McNeil said. The province is almost at that point right now, he added.
NDP Leader Darrell Dexter said his party would make sure there is appropriate help for those with gambling addictions and ensure the gambling that is available is done in a responsible manner. He too said a ban on VLTs isn’t the answer.
"The problem with prohibition is you may well be chasing those people into unregulated Internet gaming where there is no form of control," Mr. Dexter said.
As reported by AMY SMITH Provincial Reporter
Chronicle Herald
Sun. May 31 - 4:46 AM
