Gambling Industry Shows Growth Pattern

The annual report of the Alcohol and Gaming Authority released today shows a growth pattern in all parts of the gambling industry in Nova Scotia for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1999.

Overall, Nova Scotians wagered a total of nearly $1 billion on all forms of gambling from scratch tickets to VLT machines. The wagering is an increase of 5½ per cent over the previous year.

Nova Scotians won a total of $661 million back in prizes.

Of the total wager of $988.3 million, 43 per cent or $419.7 million was played on VLT machines. The casinos in Halifax and Sydney showed wagers of $274 million; lottery tickets $187.8 million; with bingo at $92.5 million and charitable lotteries having a total wager of $14 million.

Charities were a big winner in the growth. Revenue to charities went to $25.8 million in this reporting period from $18.6 million in the previous year. Charities throughout Nova Scotia receive revenue from bingos, small lotteries and VLT machines.

Revenues to the province rose to $153.3 million, a 10 per cent increase. Commercial entities, mainly VLT site holders, earned a total of $32.8 million.

The rate of participation by Nova Scotians in all forms of gambling seemed to have remained stable since 1996 according to research contained in the report. The same research shows attendance at the Sydney Casino slowing down, and a decline in participation by people purchasing tickets in charity-sponsored lotteries.

Nova Scotians also indicated they wanted mechanisms in place that assist people to control their gambling, which included regulations on ATMs in gaming establishments and restricting bill acceptors on VLTs.

Copies of the authority's report can be obtained at the Government Bookstore, 1700 Granville St. in Halifax, or at the Alcohol and Gaming Authority website www.gov.ns.ca/aga under the headings research materials and updates.