Government’s New VLT Plan Lacks Support

( Support Strong for Elimination across Province)

Nova Scotians are paying more attention to the problems created by video lottery terminals in public places, and they don’t like what they see, according to polling results released today by GameOverVLTs.com, a citizens’ coalition committed to the elimination of the machines in the province.

The new survey, conducted during the last week of May by Thinkwell Research, indicates that 70 per cent of Nova Scotians believe the government’s plan for responsible gaming does not go far enough to address the problem of VLT addiction, and 64 per cent support outlawing the machines in bars, legions, and on First Nation Reserves. Support for elimination of VLTs outside of casinos increases to 68 per cent in the 18 to 34 age group, but is consistently high among all ages, income and education levels, and in all parts of the province.

Dissatisfaction with the government’s plan is even stronger, say GameOverVLTs.com leaders, with support for stronger action ranging from 64 per cent in the South Shore to 87 per cent in the Strait of Canso region.

“These numbers are an indication that Nova Scotians are coming to understand that there are no redeeming features to VLTs – they only destroy families and tear at the fabric of Nova Scotia society,” said MLA and co-chair of GameOverVLTs.com Danny Graham.

“It’s clear that the GameOverVLTs.com campaign is gaining support from all Nova Scotians – the cost of VLTs to communities, families, and our social and health systems far outweighs any government revenue from them,” added long time VLT opponent Bernie Walsh.

The GameOverVLTs.com campaign, which so far has focussed on disseminating information and personal stories to Nova Scotians and a web based petition, will shift into high gear later this month, said John Dunsworth. “We aren’t going away, and the events we have planned for the rest of June will demonstrate how deep and lasting the support for eliminating VLTs really is in this province and across the country,” he said.

The coalition is planning a series of events, including a vigil to support families who have lost members to suicide as a result of VLT addictions, and public statements of support by community leaders.

Statements of support are also “The survey clearly demonstrates that Nova Scotians want their government to do the right thing and ban these machines, and we intend to keep the public’s attention on this issue,” Dunsworth said.