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The Facts About Gambling

We know there are lots of myths about gambling in Nova Scotia. Here are the facts as of April 2024.

Gaming Stats (As of April 2024)
# of Casinos 2
# of VLTs 2,013 cap
(all other communities)
# of VLTs – Mi’kmaw Communities 626
# of VLT Retailers 250
# of TL Retailers 969
# of Slot Machines 589 Halifax
280 Sydney
# of Tables 28 Halifax
0 Sydney

 

Average Prize Payout
Video Lottery 91-95%
Ticket Lottery 28-74%
Digital Games 65-98%
Casino Slots 91%
Casino Tables 78%

 

Participation in Gambling

  • In 2023-24, 69% of adults in Nova Scotia reported gambling at least once over the last year. Of those who gambled, 88.7% gambled with no reported risk of developing problems.
  • Based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Severity Index, in 2023-24, 0.7% of the population (1% in 2022-23) in Nova Scotia are experiencing harms from their gambling. An additional 2.2% (1.9% in 2022-23) are considered at moderate risk, 5.0% are low-risk (4.8% in 2022-23), 61.5% are no-risk gamblers (61.6% in 2022-23) and 30.7% are non-gamblers (30.7% in 2022-23).