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The Facts on Gambling in Nova Scotia

Gaming Stats (As of March 31, 2010)
# Casinos 2
# VLTs 2,234
(excluding First Nations)
# VLTs- First Nations 584
# VLT retailers 354
# TLT retailers 1,131
# Slot machines 623 Halifax
300 Sydney
# Tables 28 Halifax
10 Sydney
   
Average Prize Payout Percentage
Video Lottery 93-95%
Ticket Lottery 55-72%
Casino Slots 92%
Casino Tables 81%
   
Employment (# of direct jobs created by gaming)
Halifax Casino 366
Sydney Casino 151
NSGC 25
ALC - NS operations 57
Alcohol and Gaming Division 61

Approximately 660 people directly employed, with almost $25.9 million in annual salaries and benefits.

Gaming Revenues

  • In 2009-10, $145.9 million in general revenue was provided to government for its programs and services.
  • In 2009-10, $41 million was received by VL/TL retailers in commissions.

Financial Results ($ millions)

 
2009-10
Budget
2009-10
Actual
Corporate    
Revenue $446.9 $431.3
Net Income $128.1 $130.2
Win Tax $ 16.9 $ 15.7
Contribution to Province $145.0 $145.9
     
Ticket Lottery    
Revenue $203.3 $199.6
Net Income $ 30.6 $ 32.8
     
Video Lottery    
Revenue $150.2 $145.1
Net Income $ 96.8 $ 99.5
     
Casinos    
Revenue $ 93.2 $ 86.6
Contribution $ 34.3 $ 29.5

Participation in Gambling

In 2009-10, Nova Scotians wagered approximately $1.43 billion on gambling. (1)

In 2007, 87% of adults in Nova Scotia reported gambling at least once over the last year. Of these individuals, over 93% gambled with no problems (i.e. no risk). (2)

Based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, 0.9% of the adult population (about 7,000) in Nova Scotia have a gambling problem or are defined as a problem gambler. An additional 1.6% (about 12,000) are considered at moderate risk of experiencing a problem with gambling. (2)

3.6% of the adult population is defined in the at-risk or low risk category. (2)

On average, adults in Nova Scotia spend a total of $609 annually on gambling.(2)

95% of gambling revenues in the province are generated from those who gamble at least once a month.(2)

Youth Gambling

According to the 2007 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study:


  • Young adults 19-24 have the highest incidence of risk of developing gambling problems: almost twice the risk of 25-34 year olds.
  • Young adults report among the highest participation rates in most forms of gambling, with the exception of weekly lottery, bingo and charity raffles.
  • Their participation in poker and casino table games is higher than any other age group.

Click here to download a copy of the Gambling in Nova Scotia Fact Sheet

1 Alcohol and Gaming Division, Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development 2009-10 Annual Report
2 2007 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study