Socioeconomic impact of video lottery terminals : final report

• Main Authors: Porter Dillon Limited, Nova Scotia. House of Assembly. Standing Committee on Community Services, Sterling Research Inc.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Standing Committee on Community Services 1999
• Subjects: Nova Scotia > Social conditions; Gambling > Law and legislation > Nova Scotia; Gamblers > Rehabilitation; Gambling > Government policy > Nova Scotia; Gamblers > Nova Scotia > Statistics; Video lottery terminals > Economic aspects > Nova Scotia; Video lottery terminals > Nova Scotia > Social aspects; Gambling Literature; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1880/261; https://doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/9775

Video lottery terminals (VLTs) have been legal in Nova Scotia since the early 1990s, and VLT play has continued to increase strongly since then along with concerns about the consequences from VLT opponents. This report assesses the social and economic implications of VLT gaming on Nova Scotians, with the intent to assist in determining whether VLT gaming exceeds the limits of social acceptability. It explains the operation of VLT machines and compares the extent of VLT gambling in the province with the revenue derived from gambling. Key findings of a recent survey of Nova Scotia VLT players are summarized, providing profiles of players and problem players. This is followed by a summary of the pros and cons of legalizing VLT gambling and of current & potential responses to the problem. Section 4 presents results of focus group research on VLT players, the impacts of VLT play on the individual, family, & community, the impacts of a VLT ban, and other issues. The final section assesses the economic impacts of VLT use, including gambling expenditures, fiscal impacts, economic and financial costs of reduced labour productivity, personal indebtedness & bankruptcy, & rehabilitation costs, and other considerations such as illegal VLTs and gambling on First Nations reserves. Appendices include a problem gambler questionnaire and a focus group discussion outline.