A final decision regarding a Nova Scotia launch of online casino is yet to be made, according to the province’s finance minister, Allan MacMaster.
After being sworn in earlier this year, MacMaster has focused his efforts primarily on improving the housing and healthcare sectors of the Canadian region, he claims the new government needs more time to consider the effects of an online casino.
According to MacMaster, if an online casino were to launch, it is likely to be a provincially operated website due to the capability of tailored products to offer specific features. The hope is that that a N.S specific site could act as a significant revenue stream for the province.
MacMaster has spoken on the dangers of unregulated gambling: "[Players are] not assured of payouts, God knows who they're gaming with on the internet and there's also no protections in place for people who may be going through a period where they are problem gaming.
"There's always been debate over if you're going to have gambling, if the government is going to be offering it, what are you going to do to help those who might fall into problem gambling situations and the impact it would have on not only them but their families."
Discussions around an online casino in Nova Scotia began in earnest last February. This resulted in the previous government sanctioning online betting in the province via an agreement with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Gaming is experiencing a period of growth throughout Canada. Away from online casinos, single sports betting was regulated throughout the country earlier this year, allowing players to bet on individual sporting events legally for the first time.
