Nova Scotia is seeking ways in which it could protect itself against upcoming gambling lawsuits and this could happen with an amendment of the Gaming Control Act that spans all the way to 1991. Lawyer Ray Wagner pointed out that this move would mean that local residents directly affected by the damaging effect of gambling addiction would be deprived of the right to see justice.
This week was a special one, as it saw Atlantic Canada talk about the problematic issue once again. Problem gambling and the real nature of video lottery terminals have been a topic of wide discussion for more than a year now, as more and more people speak up about the way these devices have been affecting them over the past three decades.
Liability Protection Sought
Nova Scotia’s government made a move in order to protect itself from the damaging impact of any gambling-related lawsuit that could potentially emerge in the upcoming years. The proposed amendment to the existing Gaming Control Act seeks immunity protection for the government, Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, as well as the casino operators overseeing gambling operation within the borders of the province.
Ministers that have had influence over the field since 1991 would also be protected by this move. It could be recalled that May 2, 1991, saw the introduction of video lottery terminals in Nova Scotia. Lawyer Wagner pointed out that such action comes to show just how important gambling revenue is for the provincial coffers, as they are able to rack up a considerable amount of cash on an annual basis.
The Halifax lawyer said that the aforementioned popular gaming devices are designed in a way that tricks people into gambling more money, subsequently having their gambling addiction worsen with time. The false signals they issue deceive people into thinking they are winning, when in fact they sustain a loss of cash. Around 47,000 individuals suffer from problem gambling in Nova Scotia, as the Canadian Problem Gambling Index indicates.
Controversial VLTs Trigger Conversation
The move to shield the government, the two gaming corporations and the casino operators strives to protect them from class-action lawsuits including thousands of individuals directly affected by the controversial gaming devices. Wagner further specified that protection form financial liability would mean that the province refuses to help the individuals in need of support. The proposed change also points towards cases of gaming operator’s negligence.
They would be the sole cases in which the province would not be protected from lawsuits, however, Mr. Wagner said that there are loopholes that could still benefit the government while the people suffering from gambling addiction are left helpless. Class-action lawsuits, such as the one currently in progress in Newfoundland and Labrador are the only way people could effectively seek compensation. About 30,000 individuals came together against Atlantic Lottery Corporation before the Supreme Court of Canada.
They claim that VLTs have a deceitful nature and should be banned. More recently, British Columbia Lottery Corporation faced a similar class-action lawsuit targeting the said devices. Corina Riesebos of Kelowna launched it. Mr. Wagner pointed out that gambling revenue VTs are able to offer is what dictates the government’s decision to shield itself from liability. Upcoming weeks are set to see more on the controversial situation.
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