On March 6th, 2009, the debut of a brand new lottery game has the residents of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada buzzed with speculation and excitement and some say that the risks are too high concerning the electronic keno game. The ALC or the Atlantic Lottery Corporation's keno will be offered into one hundred eighty establishments that have liquor licenses this week, including seven establishments in the West Hants, giving players a golden chance to hedge their wagers.
Although the game is promoted as the first responsible lottery game by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, critics of the game said that electronic keno is just another option for the province to get the funds that they needed during difficult times. The MLA for Kings West and gaming opponent Leo Glavine said that Nova Scotia officials is counting on electronic keno to fill Nova Scotia coffers at the expense of the welfare and finances of Nova Scotians.
Glavine said that balancing the state budget on the backs of problem gamblers in Nova Scotia is not a good economic strategy. Glavine questions how the Department of Health and Promotion and Protection could allow such decision while knowing that electronic keno is highly addictive. One hundred percent of the ALC profits will be given back to Nova Scotia, which last year totaled to an additional $135 million fund for the programs and service of Nova Scotia and electronic keno could even improved that amount by $2 million.
The communications director for NSG, Krista Grant stated that the profits are a way of helping the community. Grant said that the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation manages a safe and well-regulated gaming industry with the welfare of Nova Scotia residents in mind.
The ticket-based electronic keno functions like the Lotto 649 and for the first time it will be featured in duly licensed eating and drinking facilities. But instead of waiting for days for the results of the game, keno players will only need to wait for ten minutes. That characteristic is what some people are criticizing about the game. The head of the Addictions Awareness Committee located at the Hants Community Hospital states that the game only complicates an already tough situation. He added that this is the worst possible situation to happen in their province right now and it is a very irresponsible decision.
But despite the personal opinion of critics, the electronic game of keno is a casino game that most businesses in the province are willing to put their money on. The owner of the Tommy Guns Speaks Easy, Richard Cole, does not see on what is the fuss all about because he believes that electronic keno is no different from lottery tickets and scratch tickets. Cole said that unlike other VLT games, keno is not interactive and unlikely to affect gaming addicts. He added that the winnings digits will be displayed on a wide screen but that is about it.
Cole said that the staff that will handle the game is also trained to promote responsible gaming among players. Cole added that the money players spend on the game goes back to help the community in some form. The NSGA said that keno is the most socially responsible game with mandatory ten minute intervals between player wagers and one hour break from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and a limit on ticket sales.
[08-04]
John M. Thorpe
