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News
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Joyce calls on province to postpone implementation of ALC
Keno game January 25, 2006
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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, is calling on
government to postpone the implementation of the new Keno game in this
province. Joyce, Chair of the province’s Public Accounts Committee, is
asking government to put this proposal on hold as a result of the lack of
study undertaken by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC) and the
provincial government in relation to this expansion of the Keno game. Last Thursday, Michelle Carinci, President of ALC, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee to discuss lottery profits and gambling impacts in Newfoundland and Labrador. During this meeting, it was discovered that neither ALC, nor the provincial government have completed a social impact study or cost analysis of the introduction of the new Keno game to be established in approximately 350 bars and convenience stores across the province. "I was very surprised to learn last week that no detailed analysis has been completed on the impact that a new Keno game would have on the people of this province," said Mr. Joyce. "While ALC projects annual profits of $1 million from this new game, I feel this figure has been underestimated. This game can be played every five minutes and has the potential to expose new players to this type of gambling. In addition, nobody from ALC could provide information as to what impact this game would have on VLT usage in this province, and whether similar addiction problems would be encountered. "I am also expressing concern that a whole new generation of gamblers will be exposed to this type of gaming. By placing this game in convenience stores, I fear younger people will be attracted to play. This could have a major social impact as these younger people are attracted to gambling before they have reached the legal age limit. "As a result of the lack of available data and study concerning this new Keno game, I am asking government to postpone its implementation. Our province should not participate in this new game until a proper social impact study and cost analysis is completed. Without this necessary data, I fear we are introducing another lottery addiction that could devastate the lives of many people in this province."
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