A report released today says gambling activity in Nova Scotia decreased over the past fiscal year and with it gaming profits — a reflection of the economy’s impact on discretionary spending.
Figures in the province’s annual gaming report show a drop in total wagers in 2009-2010 to roughly $1.43 billion from $1.47 billion.
Gaming earned the province $145.9 million last year, a drop of four per cent.
The report says video lottery terminals, which make up almost half of all betting, were off by 2.8 per cent representing a loss of $20 million.
Wagering at the province’s two casinos was also down $2 million to $463.7 million.
Lottery ticket sales also slipped as Nova Scotians wagered $199.6 million, down $4 million from the previous year.
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corp. says it spent more than $7.8 million in responsible gambling, treatment and education over the same period.