Atlantic Lottery Regulations to Better Protect Players, Retailers

Nova Scotians who play the lottery should have more confidence and be better protected by regulations proposed today, March 13, by the province.

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has already implemented most of the recommendations about the sale, validation and payout of lottery tickets, but the Department of Labour and Workforce Development said it is important to make these rules, and some others, law.

These proposed regulations are an effort to better protect lottery customers and retailers in the province.

"It is our hope that these proposed regulations will restore the confidence in and the integrity of the lottery in Nova Scotia," said Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent.

Retailers and gaming equipment suppliers will have an opportunity to provide input on new provincial regulations until April 3.

The feedback collected from the consultation will be reviewed and analyzed for recommendation.

The proposed regulations specify:

• restrictions on the sale, validation and payout of lottery tickets for retailers
• that only registered lottery equipment suppliers will be permitted to manufacture, provide, install, test, maintain or repair lottery equipment
• that all lottery products be developed according to a standard developed by the alcohol and gaming division or have approval of the division's executive director
• approvals required for internal operating procedures at the Atlantic Lottery Corporation
• the reporting requirements for retailers' wins and suspected abuse and legalities.

The proposed regulations are available on the Labour and Workforce Development website at www.gov.ns.ca/lwd/AGD .