Video Lottery Terminals
This class action was brought in 2007 against Atlantic Lottery Corporation Inc., a private business corporation in which the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a 25% shareholding.Video lottery terminals or VLTs are a form of continuous electronic gambling which differs from lotteries in that they are electronically programmed to create cognitive distortions of the perception of winning. These cognitive distortions are intended to keep the consumer engaged and losing money. The class action claims that VLTs are inherently deceptive, inherently addictive, and inherently dangerous when used as intended.
The class action has been brought by the Piercey family on behalf of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who have gambled on VLTs. The Plaintiffs say that Atlantic Lotto knows or ought to know that VLTs are inherently deceptive, inherently addictive, and inherently dangerous when used as intended, but has embarked on a "responsible gaming strategy" with messages to consumers which place the onus of responsibility for control and the resulting harm from loss of control on consumers. The purpose of this message strategy is to blame consumers for problem gambling and divert attention from the fact that problem gambling is a natural result of design features of the VLT.
The Plaintiffs say that VLTs do not comply with consumer protection law, specifically the Trade Practices Act of Newfoundland and Labrador. The class action seeks relief in the nature of an aggregate monetary award and such other relief that the court considers appropriate. A copy of the Statement of Claim may be viewed by clicking below.
The Plaintiffs are arranging a date to meet with the case management judge to set a date for the class certification hearing.
If you think you may be eligible to join the class action, please contact Sheri Geehan at (709) 579-4000 or (888) 579-3262.
Statement of Claim
Affidavit of Kevin Harrigan, PhD
Decision of Dymond J. - Dec 12, 2008
Press Release - Dec 16, 2008
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