Premier "not supportive" of Casino Bingo

Premier John Hamm expressed his concerns Friday with suggestions that Casino Nova Scotia is looking at operating a promotional bingo in its Halifax and Cape Breton facilities.

"Certainly there was never any suggestion when the casino deal was struck that they would operate bingos of any kind," said the premier, who is vacationing this week.

"I know that I, for one, am not supportive of casinos competing with the traditional activities of churches, volunteer firefighters, and community groups," said Premier Hamm.

The premier noted that the Alcohol and Gaming Authority is mandated to consider the impact of any licence proposal on charity and community groups in the area.

Premier Hamm said that his understanding is that at this point in time no official proposal has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Authority.