The year is young, but there’s already been plenty of news regarding Canadian casinos. Here’s the Lucky Nugget Casino news round-up of everything that’s happened since 2017 began: keep an eye out for these stories in the future as many are still developing.
Anti-casino group drop legal challenge
No Casino Peterborough, a group campaigning against the introduction of a casino to the Ontario city, have stepped back from their legal battle. They have cited funding concerns as the reason.
The Ontario Lotto and Gaming Corporation are looking to re-zone land on the outskirts of Peterborough, and relocate one of its casinos to the area. Shoreline Slots At Kawartha Downs is a 38,000 square foot casino with 450 gaming machines, currently located in the small town on Fraserville. It would move around 14km north-east to its new location, if the plans go ahead.
According to a survey in November, 76% of Peterborough residents are against the casino while 76% believed that there should have been a full environmental assessment. No Casino Peterborough intend to keep fighting the move, but not through legal means.
Casino By Vanshaw doors locked by landlord
An ongoing dispute between Vanshaw Enterprises Ltd and their landlord has led to the doors of the Medicine Hat, AB casino being locked. The spat between Vanshaw and Mayfield Investments Ltd, has been going on since 2010.
The Casino By Vanshaw business is located inside the Medicine Hat Lodge hotel, and a deal in 2010 allowed the casino to forgo paying its $100,000 debts in exchange for giving Mayfield 20% of its profits and control over an interior lounge. However, Vanshaw felt this meant that its original lease should be pro-rated to take this lease into account.
As a result of the dispute, Mayfield locked the doors of the casino on 2 January, but removed the placard the next day. Mayfield also terminated the lease on the same day, citing lack of rent. Vanshaw are reportedly looking for a new location in Medicine Hat to host its casino.
NL Supreme Court certifies class action lawsuit
The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador has certified a class action lawsuit concerning “deceptive” video lottery terminals (VLTs). The lawsuit, brought by Douglas Babstock and Fred Small, is on behalf of all residents of NL who have gambled on the VLTs, and names Atlantic Lottery Corp as the main defendant.
Babstock and Small claim that the VLT machines are deliberately deceptive, as they are programmed to create the illusion of almost winning which encourages further gambling and causes gamers to lose money. According to patientinjurylaw.ca, the plaintiffs believe that “Atlantic Lotto knows or ought to know that VLTs are inherently deceptive, inherently addictive, and inherently dangerous when used as intended.”
The case is relying on a law from 1710 which allows gambling losers to sue for damages equal to treble their lost stake. It is currently unknown what evidence the plaintiffs will use to support their claim. If they can convince the court at trial, then the legal case will proceed.
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