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Internet Blocking Software

About the Pilot Project
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is seeking Nova Scotian parents and caregivers who are interested in being part of the BetStopper pilot test. In order to qualify as a participant, an individual must have children between the ages of 5 and 18 living and/or spending a lot of time in their home.

Participants in the pilot test will be provided with the BetStopper software free of charge until October 1, 2007 but will only be expected to install and use it on their home computer(s) for a period of six-months. As participants in the pilot test, parents/caregivers will also be expected to complete three short online surveys (maximum 10 minutes in length) over the course of the six months.

These surveys will help to collect information about the effectiveness and usability of the product and allow NSGC to determine whether BetStopper would in fact be a valuable tool for parents/caregivers on a long-term basis. The surveys will be conducted by a research consulting firm, which will then compile the results and make a recommendation to NSGC on whether to make the product widely available.

Benefits of Participating

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did NSGC decide to develop this product?
As the steward of our Province's gambling industry, NSGC's mandate is to create a gaming industry that balances social responsibility and economic sustainability. We work to uphold our vision of being responsible, progressive and accountable by leading initiatives that establish Nova Scotia as a global leader, such as the more than 12 community outreach and prevention programs we deliver. For 2006-07, NSGC has committed to focusing a large part of its prevention efforts on youth. The pilot test of BetStopper is one of the key initiatives NSGC will be implementing in 2006-07 to demonstrate our commitment to preventing the next generation of problem gamblers.

2. Why target online gambling?
Online gambling is illegal and unregulated, yet it is estimated that there are more than 2,300 casino-style Internet gambling sites in the world. This number has increased by more than 100% since 2000, reflecting the strong demand for this activity. Most of these sites are unregulated, not controlled in terms of access and age restrictions and are illegal for Canadians to play. Young people are at the highest risk of developing a problem with gambling. When that happens we all lose. That's why NSGC is doing its part as a good corporate citizen to give parents and caregivers a new tool to help protect their children.

Although parents/caregivers should always be aware of what websites or chat rooms their children are frequenting, BetStopper is an effective tool that will help them keep their children safe.

3. Why pilot test the product?
The pilot test of BetStopper will help to determine parents'/caregivers' overall level of satisfaction with the software, including installation, activity reporting, and success in blocking online gambling content. As the product is new, pilot testing it will identify any necessary software modifications. Finally, it will help us determine whether this is something parents/caregivers want, would use and think NSGC should make available in the future.

4. How long is the pilot test?
Participants in the pilot test of BetStopper are expected to install the software on their home computer(s) and use it for six months. This time frame will begin the day the software is installed by each individual, meaning there will not be an official start and end date to the pilot. It is expected that product installations will take place during October and November 2006.

5. What happens to my BetStopper software when the six months is up?
As a pilot test participant, you are only expected to use the software for six months; however, NSGC will continue to cover the costs of your software fees until October 1, 2007. Before this date, you will receive an update from NSGC about the results of the pilot test, whether or not BetStopper will continue to be available in Nova Scotia, and your options for continuing to use the product if you so choose.

5. When will the results of the pilot test evaluation be available?
NSGC is expecting to publicly release the results of the BetStopper pilot test in the summer of 2007. Pilot test participants will receive direct communication from NSGC about the results and the options available to them for continuing to use BetStopper or a suggested alternative.