SOURCE: The Western Star

(St. John's, Newfoundland) — The Atlantic Lottery Corp. (ALC) is asking video game makers to invent new games that involve gambling.

The ALC recently issued a request for information asking for help to “explore and consider a suite of Internet-based lottery products (including) instant win products, casual games as well as other popular games played by consumers on this online medium.”

It’s a move that has some experts worried about an increase in gambling addictions.

Memorial University social work professor Dennis Kimberley says mixing video games, gambling and the Internet increases the risk of gambling addiction.

“I think the disaster to individuals and families is going to increase,” said Kimberley.

Currently, ALC promotes five online games on its website’s main page. Spokeswoman Paula Dyke says the lotto corporation isn’t necessarily expanding its online gambling offerings.

“This potentially could lead to refreshing the products that exist. There might be new and exciting things that could replace what’s there or we could add to it. But at this point we’re looking to see what’s out there,” said Dyke.

The province is a jackpot winner when it comes to the lotto corporation. The most recent statistics peg government profits from ALC revenues at more than $100 million annually.

The ALC clearly sees Internet gambling in its future. According to its RFI, it wants to know more about video game trends “to better understand how these could be applied to the lottery industry.”

Ron Tizzard — a clinical psychologist in St. John’s who often treats gambling addictions — is more concerned about the personal issues that drive people to become addicts, rather than the games.

Tizzard says he has no connection to the ALC. He says the best prevention for gambling addiction is for people to work on the issues that lead to addictive behaviours.