Annual Gaming Report Released

More than $3 million was raised for hundreds of amateur and community sport organizations in 2012-13 through the Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation's flagship program Support4Sport.

The corporation released its audited financial statements and report to stakeholders today, July 18.

The report also highlighted the corporation's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable revenue including:

• $127.9 million payment to the province
• $6.4 million for responsible gambling education and awareness programs and prevention. More than $4.2 million was distributed to the Department of Health and Wellness and $500,000 to Gambling Awareness Nova Scotia.
• community and charitable organizations in the province. Under the Support4Communities program, $175,000 was raised through 11 Community Casino Nights across Nova Scotia.

The payment to the province is 16.3 per cent lower than the previous year as a result of lower revenues from video lottery and a one-time HST input tax credit related to the casinos recognized in 2011-12.

"We are proud to be at the helm of Nova Scotia's responsible gaming industry," said acting president and CEO, Bob MacKinnon. "Along with our operators, Atlantic Lottery and Casino Nova Scotia, we are deeply committed to communities across the province, ensuring revenue from gaming supports good causes. Nova Scotians can be confident the industry is responsible and sustainable."

One hundred per cent of gaming industry profits go back to Nova Scotia communities to support important government programs and services. Nova Scotia's responsible gaming industry has a significant impact on the province's economy, generating 588 direct jobs, a network of more than 1,300 ticket and video lottery retailers who collectively earned $35 million in commissions.

According to the most recent Adult Gambling Prevalence Study, 87 per cent of adult Nova Scotians participate in some form of gaming activity. For the vast majority of these players, gaming is a form of entertainment along with movies, dining out and theatre. However, for some, gambling can give rise to problems. That is why the corporation focuses on responsible gambling programs.

Financial statements and a video report are available at www.gamingns.ca