Nova Scotia Monitors Online Gambling Expansions as Opposition Urges Caution
Nova Scotia is closely watching how Ontario and Alberta have expanded online gambling, while opposition leaders call for public health risk assessments before any changes. A recent study found emergency department visits for gambling disorders doubled in Ontario following its market expansion.
The Nova Scotia government is monitoring how other provinces expand online gambling, with opposition leaders warning officials to proceed carefully.
Finance Minister John Lohr described gaming as being in a time of incredible transformation. He acknowledged that Nova Scotians are betting on unregulated sites accessible via the internet and expressed concern over the lack of provincial control and potential addiction harms. Currently, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation operates the only government-authorized and regulated online gambling platform in Nova Scotia.
Ontario expanded its online gambling markets in 2022, and Alberta did so in July. A study released last month suggested emergency department visits for gambling disorders had doubled in Ontario since the expansion of online gambling and legalization of single-event sports betting.
Dr. Peter Selby from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health stated that young people are especially at risk of harm due to brain addiction pathways geared toward consumption and loss of control.
NDP Leader Claudia Chender expressed concern and opposed further government involvement in online gambling without careful consideration. Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin stated that a public health risk assessment should occur before expanding gambling services.