In 2007, Anielski Management began its study on the impact of gambling in Nova Scotia. Its goal was to examine the socio-economic effects of the activity. The first draft was delivered to Nova Scotia’s Alcohol and Gaming Division in mid-2009; 6 months later, the research firm invoiced the division for its work but rather than receiving payment, the company was served with a notice of termination.
Now, Mark Anielski, has come forward to make his research known to the general public. He states that the study would have been one of the most comprehensive assessments in the gambling world, had it been published, and he feels that the world at large should be able to benefit from this information. However, he cannot reveal the contents of his study and has instead decided to summarize the impacts of gambling on the province by citing previously published research.
He states that VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) are, by far, the most damaging form of gambling to Nova Scotians. In a 2007 study, it was revealed that nearly 70% of problem gamblers were drawn mostly to VLTs. The same year, another study noted that the Nova Scotia government earned almost $170 million during the 2007-08 fiscal year, with VLTs account for 56% of that total.
He then calculated the amount of money that problem gamblers contribute to Nova Scotia’s government. The average gambling addict spent about $7500 in 2007. When multiplied by the 19 000 problem gamblers in the province, the singular $7500 becomes $141 million, comprising 32% of Nova Scotia’s net gambling revenue.
