HALIFAX – A new video lottery terminal gaming centre has opened in the Halifax area despite outcry from residents who fear it will lead to a spike in gambling addiction.
But the native community behind the facility says the revenue is needed to resolve a housing shortage.
The centre, which houses 45 VLTs, is located in Hammonds Plains on territory belonging to the Shubenacadie First Nation.
Nathan Sack of the Shubenacadie band says his community needs the VLT money to help alleviate a dire housing situation.
But some who live near the gaming centre say they are worried it makes gambling too easily accessible.
Joanne Worden says the band should have considered opening a different business more suited for the family-oriented neighbourhood, like a gas station or restaurant.
Tracie Afifi, a professor at the University of Manitoba, says a study she helped write concluded that VLT gambling outside of casinos constitutes the greatest risk for problem gamblers.
She says it’s hard for problem gamblers to control their habits when VLTs are easily accessible.
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