N.B. cutting 25% of video lottery terminals

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – The New Brunswick government is eliminating about 25 percent of the video lottery terminals operating in the province.

Finance Minister Victor Boudreau said Tuesday the decision is a first step in a comprehensive new gaming policy that will be released Thursday.

He said the number of VLTs would be capped at a maximum of 2,000. At the moment, he said, there are about 2,650 of the popular gambling machines in the province, mostly in bars and lounges.

“There are varying opinions on many sides of this issue, but we felt we had to take a responsible approach with the video lottery program,” he said, adding that VLTs are considered the “most addictive” form of gambling.

He said the machines bring in $135 million in revenue a year.

While Boudreau refused to give details, he said the new gaming policy will help New Brunswick become a tourism destination, raising speculation that the government will give its blessing to casinos and-or racinos.

Over the past five years, the number of visitors to the Maritime province has dropped by 25 percent.

Kim Hunter, former president of the New Brunswick Licensee’s Association, which represents bar owners, said she will take a “wait-and-see approach” in anticipation of the full gambling announcement on Thursday.

New Brunswick has been under growing pressure to allow casinos or racinos in the province, especially since its Maritime neighbors have such gambling venues.

Last week, the Exhibition Association in Saint John, which operates a harness racing track, announced a plan to build a $20 million multiplex that would combine a racino with hockey rinks, indoor soccer fields and other amenities.

A racino is a combination racetrack and casino with slot machines and table games such as blackjack, poker and roulette.

Other cities are considering similar venues, including Moncton.