Challenge to Fairness of VLTs in Alberta

An Alberta citizen group, the Gambling Watch Network, has filed a complaint with the Canadian Competition Bureau charging that electronic gaming machines in Canada do not meet standards of consumer fairness.  In particular, the complaint charges that the on-screen displays misleadingly suggest that gamblers will win more than the machine can pay, which would be a violation of the Criminal Code and Competition Act.  The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission operates 6,000 VLTs. 

In Canada, the Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency with powers to bring a civil enforcement action, or to refer criminal cases to the Attorney General.  In response to citizen complaints like the one brought by Gambling Watch Network, the Competition Bureau's initial inquiry is confidential.