19-Jan-07. VLTs labeled unfair. Edmonton Sun, 9.

The Gambling Watch Network has filed a federal complaint with the Competition Bureau alleging electronic gaming machines (EGMs) aren’t regulated to ensure fairness. The citizens’ group membership includes an EGM software expert, a former lawyer for EGM manufacturers and a mother whose son killed himself over gambling debts. The group alleges EGMs do not meet Canadian standards of consumer fairness, fraud or protection. They say on-screen displays convince gamblers they’ll win more than the machine is designed to pay out, which breaches parts of the Criminal Code and Competition Act.