Gaming Statistics for 2001-02 Released
N.S. ALCOHOL/GAMING AUTHORITY--Gaming Statistics for 2001-02 Released
The Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority released its Annual Gaming Report for 2001-02 today, Aug. 18.
The Authority's report noted that total gaming wagers on bingo, lottery tickets, casino games and video lottery terminals (VLTs) were $1.2 billion, a 10 per cent increase over 2000-01.
Prizes for gaming participants also went up more than 12 per cent over the previous year, with more than $840 million or two-thirds of total wagers returned in the form of prizes. Another $184 million, or 15 per cent, was turned over to the provincial government to fund programs and services.
Video lottery terminals experienced the greatest change in 2001- 02. The fiscal year saw 1,640 old VLTs replaced with new machines that came equipped with new games, bill acceptors, and responsible gaming features. About $575 million was wagered on VLTs, up 20 per cent over the previous year.
The Authority also released its annual report today for the period ending March 31, 2003. The annual report reflects all activities of the Authority, including gaming, liquor, and theatre and amusement activities. The year was marked by regulatory amendments, process improvements and technology upgrades.
One of the Authority's key achievements was the upgrading, testing and implementation of an automated licensing system. The system benefits consumers by making alcohol and gaming licensing requests faster, easier and more accurate.
The Alcohol and Gaming Authority administers Part II of the Gaming Control Act, parts of the Liquor Control Act, the Theatres and Amusement Act, and the casino regulations. The acts grant the Authority regulatory control over liquor sales, lottery and bingo hall licenses. The Alcohol and Gaming Authority has a mandate to ensure honesty and integrity in all areas of gaming and to report yearly on gaming in Nova Scotia. It also administers the Maritime Film Classification system.
Copies of the annual gaming report and the annual report can be found on the Alcohol and Gaming Authority Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/aga .