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Video lottery terminals in Alberta, Canada have been capped at 6,000 since 1996.  The number of slot machines have continued to grow since that time and currently stand at 12,386.  It is safe to say that the government of Alberta has a loyalty to slot machines.

For the first time ever, slot machines generated more revenue for the government than the video lottery terminals in the fiscal year of 2007.  Slot machines brought in $748 million while video lottery terminals only generated $705 million.  According to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission in the most recent fiscal year slot machines made $300 million more than video lottery terminals.

Jim Dau of the Alberta Charitable Casino Operators Association says that slot machines have also become a virtual ATM for casinos.  That is largely due to the fact that slot machines need much less maintenance and have lower minimum bets that casino table games.

“Any increase or decrease in slot machine play significantly influences revenues to charities, to the government and to our members,” said Dau.

The Alberta Gambling and Liquor Commission have yet to set a cap on the amount of slot machines allowed in the province.  They have, however, placed a hold on licensing new casino venues until a socio-economic study can be performed to get a clearer look at the market capacity for slot machines and gambling venues.

“It's a lot easier to make sure we make the right decision at the front end then trying to make up for a mistake at the back end after the fact,” said parliamentary secretary Rob Anderson.

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