It has often been said, particularly in Australia, that state governments are becoming too dependent on gambling taxes to solve economic shortfalls. Yesterday Nova Scotia in Canada took a first step in becoming less reliant on gambling revenues by announcing a cut of 1,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs).

The province has released its first-ever gaming strategy and 800 machines will be removed from bars and restaurants by the start of November, and a further 200 that are not functioning or due to be retired will not be replaced. VLTs are frequently blamed for rises in problem gambling and, to help combat the trend, the machines will be modified to slow the rate of play and be turned off at midnight. The two casinos in the province are exempt from the curfew.

An additional $3 million will be spent by the government on treatment programmes, a substantial rise from the present $1 million, following accusations that it is more concerned with the annual $133 million collected from the VLTs than with social costs. It is estimated that the measures to cut machine numbers and push up spending on support facilities will cost the province around $40 million.

Similar moves for reductions and restrictions are being discussed in New Brunswick and Quebec, while the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has said that both Manitoba and Saskatchewan should crack down on VLTs. In Nova Scotia the new strategy of cutting machine numbers will not apply in non-profit establishments or on the native reserves outside provincial jurisdiction. (E-04.07.05)

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