Media Clipping – January 10, 2005, CBC News

Profits must drop to fight problem gambling: researchers

HALIFAX - Nova Scotia should limit the use of VLTs or ban them outright if it's serious about helping problem gamblers, according to a research firm.

Halifax-based GPI Atlantic looked at the cost and benefits of gaming in the province last year and found gambling addicts keep gaming profits high.

"It's not possible to maintain the same flow of revenues with only non-problem gamblers," said GPI executive director Ron Colman.

"If you wanted to get rid of problem gambling and maintain the same flow of revenues you'd have to have more than the entire Nova Scotian population. Every man, woman and child would have to be gambling."

The province expects to pocket about $180 million in gambling profits this year, with more than half of that coming from video lottery terminals.

Colman says VLTs create the biggest problem for addicts, so he's suggesting that the province consider banning the machines or limit access to them.

But Premier John Hamm won't consider a VLT ban, claiming that would open the door to a flood of black market machines. He seems ready to accept less revenue from VLTs, though.

"Absolutely. If you look at what we're doing many of the initiatives that we have will result in less gambling occurring," said Hamm.

The province has hired a consultant to help develop a more socially responsible and economically sustainable gaming industry. A report is due later this month.

Critics have denounced the government for the way it's going about developing a new gambling strategy. Some question the government's commitment to health promotion.