4-Sep-09. 20 per cent cut for Alta. arts groups. Lethbridge Herald, B1.

Alberta culture minister Lindsay Blackett says arts and non-profit groups funded through gaming and government grants can expect up to a 20 per cent cut in money. Blackett says part of the reason for the cuts is a 14 per cent decrease in video lottery terminal revenues.

29-Aug-09. VLT revenues drop. Lethbridge Herald, B1.

The Province of Alberta’s first quarter budget update shows that while slot machines and lottery ticket revenues held to expectations, the province’s VLT (video lottery terminal) revenue declined by nearly 14 per cent, from an expected $616-million to $532-million.

29-Jul-09. Where the VLT argument fails. Red Deer Advocate, A4.

This editorial examines the results of a recent plebiscite on video lottery terminals that took place in the town of Rocky Mountain House.  The author is disappointed that bar owners need the machines to maintain staffing levels in an economic downturn and with the low voter turnout.

28-Jul-09. VLT vote a bust. Red Deer Advoate, A1.

More than 75 per cent of the 1,150 people who voted in the Rocky Mountain House plebiscite opted to keep video lottery terminals (VLTs) out out of the town. Mayor Jim Bague said 874 people voted against the re-introduction of the machines while 274 voted in favour. Voters turfed the machines 12 years ago by voting 65 per cent in favour of removal.

27-Jul-09. VLT vote – again. Red Deer Advocate, A5.

After 12 years without VLTs (video lottery terminals) in Rocky Mountain House, residents will vote today on whether to bring them back. Local pastor Len Batterlink says it isn’t worth the harm that VLTs could bring to the community. Jim Pogson, with the Rocky Mountain House Pubs and Lounge Association, is hoping to have them back to generate extra revenue in order to keep staff employed at Duffers Pub.

7-Jul-09. VLTs no cure for recession. Edmonton Journal, A12.

This editorial examines the video lottery terminal (VLT) plebiscite being held in Rocky Mountain House and notes that the VLT has largely  faded from the public eye. The fact that the machines are less contentious stems from Alberta’s cap on VLTs which has held their numbers at 6,000 provincewide since 1994. Shortly after imposing the VLT cap, in 1996, the province introduced electronic slot machines, which are much like VLTs, but offer bigger jackpots and unlimited maximum bets. A key difference is that the slots are allowed only in casinos and at racing entertainment centres. According to the author, it appears that the primary concern of Albertans seemed to be more about the wide  availability of gambling machines in every small-town bar across the province than about electronic gambling in general.

3-Jul-09. VLTs vote scheduled. Red Deer Advocate, B1.

Eligible Rocky Mountain House voters who will be away for a plebiscite on July 27 have the opportunity to cast a vote on the video lottery terminal question in an advance poll. The question states: “Do you agree that town council should pass bylaw No. 09/06V, whereby town council recommends that the provincial government and Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission allow VLTs in the town?” The machines were originally removed from the town following a 1997 plebiscite.

8-Jun-09. VLT debate possible. Red Deer Advocate, A1.

Groups both for and against the re-introduction of video lottery terminals (VLTs) look forward to a debate if one is called on whether the machines should be returned to Rocky Mountain House. Jim Pogson, manager of Duffer’s Pub, claims that many former customers are leaving town to play VLT machines in surrounding communities. Rev. Dale Hanson of the town’s ministerial association said the machines are not wanted in the town and that there are numerous examples of people resorting to crime to feed their gambling addictions.

3-Jun-09. Rocky residents to vote on VLTs in July. Red Deer Advocate, B1.

Rocky Mountain House residents will head to the polls at the end of July to determine the fate of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in their town. Town council gave first reading to a bylaw on Monday and a plebiscite will be held July 27. The question will ask people if they favour council recommending to the province that VLTs return to Rocky.

23-May-09. Rocky Mtn. House to hold another VLT vote. Lethbridge Herald, B1.

The town of Rocky Mountain House says it will hold a plebiscite on whether to bring back video lottery terminals (VLTs). The decision comes after bar owners collected more than 800 names on a petition calling for their return. A letter requesting the machines be returned will be sent to the provincial government if residents vote in favour of them.