In 2005 the Government of Nova Scotia published ‘A Better Balance: Nova Scotia’s First Gaming Strategy,’ with the aim of positioning the Canadian province as one of the most progressive jurisdictions anywhere. It stressed social responsibility and a reduction in the government’s reliance on gaming revenue. The cornerstone of the strategy was the treatment and prevention of problem gambling.

Under section 56 of the Gaming Control Act, the Research and Communications Branch of the Alcohol and Gaming Division is mandated to carry on a continuous study of the public interest and reaction of residents of the Province to existing and potential features of casinos, other lottery schemes and games of chance. The Authority has established a research program that provides some of the best ‘leading edge’ research being done in gaming.

This week the Minister responsible for Liquor and Gaming in Saskatchewan has been in Nova Scotia to assess the impact of the reduction of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the state. Since 2006 Nova Scotia has reduced VLT numbers by around one-third, introduced a ban after midnight, slowed down the rate of play and removed stop buttons from gaming machines, which were deemed to give players a false sense of control. Per capita Nova Scotia makes the highest contribution to problem gambling programmes.

Saskatchewan at present is considering calls for a study to be undertaken on gaming issues. Three years ago the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry said the highest rates of problem gambling were in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the two provinces that have the most VLTs. Saskatchewan has capped the number of VLTs at 4,000 and the province’s seven casinos have 2,665 slot machines.

A Saskatchewan government report released in March 2007 suggests there is a strong relationship between electronic gaming machines and problem gaming, even if the nature of the relationship is unclear. Features aimed at reducing problem gambling such as the ability to slow down play, limiting access to money and spending limits were found to be worthwhile. (E-06.06.08)

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