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Monday, January 16, 2006
Warnings on VLTs don’t deter gamblers

A Canadian study, funded by the Alberta Government revealed that electronic warnings built into video lottery terminals to help people control their gambling have little effect.

Video Lottery Terminals with "responsible gaming features” do not have the effect to decrease gaming time and the amount of money spent.

The study was carried out 2 years after VLTs were equipped with the following features:

  • a clock showing length of play
  • a counter showing how much in dollars of the gambler's money was in the machine
  • pop-up reminders of time spent
  • a banner giving a 1-800 help-line number

    None of these features has changed overall gambling behaviour, according to the study. The Alberta government will decide later what the consequences the study will have on future policy.

    • For additional information, please visit www.gaming.gov.ab.ca/