On February 26th, 2009, a gaming addiction expert is criticizing the decision to introduce a brand new game of chance to bars and pubs in Nova Scotia and P.E.I, stating that the brand new games could be dangerously addictive for players. The Atlantic Lottery Corporation plans to debut electronic keno in 200 bars and restaurants in the two provinces on March 2009. In the electronic keno game, customers buy keno tickets at the bar, with the winning digits displayed on the wide screen minutes later.
A spokesperson from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation stated that keno draws will be held every 5 minutes from noon until midnight, with gamers limited to maximum wagers of $10 per draw, but there will be no limit on the total amount players can spend in a day. A problem gaming counselor with the Capital District Health Authority in Halifax, Elizabeth Stephen said that she was very disappointed to learn about the debut of electric keno. She said that she was just dismayed about the proposal because it is another potential gaming problem which puts a lot of her clients at risk. The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the Crown organization responsible for managing gaming in the province, had reviewed the potential of multiple-draw electronic keno before.
But in 2007, it stated that Nova Scotia would not adopt the game because it attracts players that are high-risk for gaming addiction. Corporation spokesperson Krista Grant stated that the version of the electronic keno game about to be introduced is different variation than the one originally dismissed by the corporation in 2007. Grant said that they have redesigned the game to make it less harmful to players. He added that the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation priority to run a safe and regulated gaming industry.
According to the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the keno game that the Atlantic Lottery Corporation is launching out will offer lower bets and players will be required to take more time outs while playing. NSGC's Krista Pringle said that several steps will be taken to ensure that players do not get addicted to keno. Pringle said that there is a limit in the maximum bet per draw which is $10 compared with the industry standard is $20.
Pringle added that this game is considered to be progressive by gaming industry standards and these responsible gaming characteristics will help minimize the risks involve while maintaining its entertainment value to customers. Pringle also stated that the game will be shit down for ten minutes every hour.
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Louis Blechdom
