VLTs in Nova Scotia

How the network shrank

Nova Scotia cut 1,000 VLTs, from 3,234 to 2,234, by 2007-08⁵. Since 2011, 239 more were removed through attrition, seven of them in 2025-26⁶.

The card-based My-Play system, mandatory from April 1, 2012, was dropped after the government announced its removal on August 20, 2014⁷.

Video lottery in Mi'kmaw communities is not managed by Nova Scotia Gaming⁸.

Rules on every Atlantic Lottery VLT

Atlantic Lottery operates the VLTs in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, and only people 19 or older may play or redeem prizes².

Every terminal shows a clock, displays amounts in cash rather than credits and shows a gambling support line⁹. It stops taking cash once the bank reaches $60¹⁰.

Session reminders appear at 60, 90, 120 and 145 minutes, there is a mandatory cash-out after 150 minutes of continuous play, and an automatic cash-out when the bank reaches $1,000¹¹. The printed brochure gives the last reminder at 140 minutes¹².

Outcomes are random and decided by the machine when you press play; nothing you do changes them¹³. VLTs are not set never to pay, but the odds favour the house¹⁴. Cash-out tickets are paid in full within 365 days¹⁵.

Help

• Nova Scotia Gambling Support Network: 1-888-429-8167¹⁶

The province's own online gaming: alc.ca, where Atlantic Lottery added new games, including a live casino¹⁷.