Prince Edward Island's provincial treasurer said on September 22nd, 2009 that electronic keno, a brand new gaming product from the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, is highly unlikely to thrive on Prince Edward Island without the participation of the province of Nova Scotia.
Provincial officials announced on September 21st, 2009 that it was finally stopping the game, which permits gamers to acquire numbered ticket on draws that happen every 5 minutes. P.E.I. Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan said that the decision of Nova Scotia officials will have a significant effect on whether electronic keno will continue on the Island or not.
Sheridan said that without the vital mass provided by Nova Scotia it will be very difficult to continue the game in P.E.I. Before Nova Scotia's decision, electronic keno on the Island was already under review.
Revenues were smaller than expected and a advertisement campaign was planned for the game. Sheridan said that Prince Edward Island has lost about $70,000 launching electronic keno.
Sheridan added that the province has been willing to give the game more time. Sheridan said that even Lotto 6/49 lost cash in the first 6 months of operation. Sheridan said that he will decide the future of the game on the Island in the next few days.
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John M. Thorpe
