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Turning Off VLTs Doesn't Turn Off Gambling |
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Written by NS Liberal Party
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Friday, 02 December 2005 |
Nova Scotia Liberal Gambling Critic, Leo Glavine says that changing the hours of operation for video lottery terminals in Nova Scotia does not even come close to addressing the issue of problem gambling.
It is estimated that there are 15,000 problem gamblers in the province affecting between 100,000 to 200,000 secondary victims. Glavine is outraged that another government half-measure is being touted as a success. "Problem gamblers will simply adapt their schedules and play during the day," said Glavine. "Turning off a machine at night doesn't mean a gambling addict can turn off their devastating addiction."
The Liberal Caucus first spoke out during the 2005 spring sitting of the Legislature demanding that government remove all VLTs from the province.
"It is especially devastating at this time of year to see people lose their families, their hard earned money and in extreme cases their lives because this government is afraid about damaging their bottom line," added Glavine.
Glavine added that although Nova Scotia contains only 3% of the national population, we have 7.5% of Canada's VLTs. |
