The Nova Scotia government is keeping a close eye on how other provinces are expanding online gambling, but opposition leaders are warning the province should “tread very, very carefully.”
Finance Minister John Lohr told reporters this week that “gaming is in a time of incredible transformation.”
Ontario expanded its online gambling markets in 2022 and Alberta most recently did so in July.
“We’re watching what’s happening in Ontario and Alberta, in particular, very carefully. And obviously, those are conversations that are underway right now,” Lohr said.
The only government-authorized and regulated platform for online gambling in Nova Scotia is currently operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. But Lohr said he’s aware that Nova Scotians are betting on unregulated sites.
“I think anyone can access thousands of gaming sites on their phone through the internet and this is a very significant issue,” he said.
He added he’s worried about potential negative health impacts.
“We don’t feel like we have any handle on it at all as a province. And I don’t know if anybody does. It’s just available on the internet and there are significant harms for people who become addicted to gambling through it,” he said.