Nova Scotia Online Betting Could Be Under Consideration

Nova Scotia Online Betting Could Be Under Consideration

When New Brunswick began debating opening online betting, it opened questions as to what other eastern provinces might do. It appears Nova Scotia online betting is now under consideration.

According to Nova Scotia Finance Minister John Lohr, Nova Scotia is taking a look at opening up online betting and breaking its government-run monopoly. Interestingly, Lohr suggested that the actions of Ontario and Alberta had more to do with Nova Scotia online betting coming under consideration than New Brunswick’s move.

“We’re watching what’s happening in Ontario and Alberta, in particular, very carefully,” Lohr told Global News. “And obviously, those are conversations that are underway right now.”

If Lohr’s statement is accurate, Nova Scotia would have plenty of data available. Ontario opened up its gambling markets in 2022, while Alberta opened theirs in July. If Nova Scotia betting has been under consideration based on Ontario data, it could be further along than expected.

What Situation Exists With Nova Scotia Online Betting?

Currently, all gambling in Nova Scotia is operated by the Atlantic Lottery Corporation (ALC). That’s a shared operation between the four Atlantic provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Between them, the four provinces have a combined population of 2.67 million, which is why it makes more sense to operate as one entity for gambling.

However, New Brunswick is currently considering going its own way on live-dealer casino games. Bill 8 addresses that, and could potentially break apart the ALC or create multiple sets of rules by province.

Based on Lohr’s comments, New Brunswick isn’t alone. Nova Scotia wasn’t seen as leaning one way or the other, but the prospect of Bill 8 made it clear that the most populous Maritime province would have to make some decisions. If Lohr’s statement is accurate, those decisions could be closer than expected.

What Could That Mean For Nova Scotia Online Betting?

Like with New Brunswick, there are multiple paths for the province. The most straightforward is to do nothing, which would keep it in line with Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.

It could also try the path New Brunswick appears to be debating, which would include opening parts of its markets. If both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia take that path, the two remaining provinces would have to decide whether to follow.

The final major path for Nova Scotia gambling would mean fully opening things up, the way Ontario and Alberta did. That would likely require it to leave ALC, as it would represent a radical departure from the other provinces.

What’s Likely to Happen?

As of now, these are only comments. If a bill goes on the table as Bill 8 did, open Nova Scotia online betting would be much closer to reality. But without a bill to discuss, it’s unclear as to where the province is on the subject.

Most likely, Nova Scotia sits a step behind New Brunswick and two or three behind Quebec. Quebec legislators have openly discussed ending Loto-Quebec’s monopoly, with Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon taking a favorable stance on doing so. New Brunswick hasn’t gone that far, but Bill 8 would represent a big difference between it and the rest of ALC.

Lohr’s comments suggest that Nova Scotia is a province to watch, but Ontario and Alberta’s history suggest it will take time. Most likely, regulated Nova Scotia online betting beyond ALC wouldn’t reach fruition until 2030 or 2031, if it goes that route at all.