The province is taking steps to help problem gamblers.
Legislation announced today would make changes to the voluntary exclusion program.
Currently, Nova Scotia is the only jurisdiction in the country that includes a mandatory, lifetime ban with its self-exclusion program.
The proposed changes would give participants more say in how long they will be banned from gambling.
That would allow people to enrol in the program to take short-term breaks from casino gambling.
Pamela Magee with the Canadian Mental Health Association thinks the measures could be effective but shouldn’t be the only source of treatment.
“It’s like any other type of care. It’s multi-faceted and it takes multiple support prongs to support the successful, sustained recovery.”
Another change would see no winnings paid out to anyone under a voluntary ban.
The voluntary self-exclusion program currently has around 2,100 people enrolled.
Help for problem gamblers can be found by visiting gamblingsupportnetwork.ca or calling 1-888-347-8888.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
