British Columbia Lottery Corporation might have to face another legal battle in the foreseeable future, as a class-action lawsuit targets video lottery terminals overseen by the Crown corporation. The popular gaming offerings sprinkled across the province have been targeted by a lawsuit claiming that they have addictive characteristics while also being deceptive by nature. Corina Riesebos of Kelowna launched the legal battle.
When it comes to the diversity of gambling opportunities across Canada, there are many various devices players could use in their daily gaming activities. Video lottery terminals are among the most popular machines offering players the chance of winning big in no time. Canadians have shown their preference for the vibrant gaming opportunities these devices have up for grabs.
Class-Action Lawsuit
Locations such as bars and restaurants often have video lottery terminals available for the players to give their luck a try and perhaps win an unexpected prize. However, the recently filed class-action lawsuit against them claim that they have a deceptive nature and often misrepresent the eventual outcome of the game. Moreover, the lawsuit also claims that these devices are inherently addictive due to the various stimuli they have.
Even though they might resemble traditional slot machines that have been a staple of every casino venue and gambling location, video lottery terminals have a rather different nature. They bring continuous gambling closer to the players, engaging them for longer periods of time. This happens thanks to the cognitive distortions creating a false reality.
Players might be losing but they are left with the impression that they are winners. As a result, they engage in the gaming activity for longer and end up spending more than originally intended. This makes the devices deceptive, according to the claims of the class-action lawsuit. It also clarifies that these devices have hidden odds of winning big, making it unclear for the player how much they would win.
Legal Battle Commences
Players are left to their own devices, as they are unable to guess the odds correctly. Such a feature should not be allowed to affect their gaming experience in a negative way. Ms. Riesebos is one of the individuals personally affected by the gaming traits of video lottery terminals. She has about two decades of history with the aforementioned gaming devices or electronic gaming devices as they are commonly referred to.
She has been participating in this gaming offering in British Columbia ever since 2015. The plaintiff has gone through a lot due to regular engagement. This included financial loss, emotional damage, as well as mental distress, as the devices can take their toll on a person’s life. Relationships often suffer from the addictive tendencies of the players. The class-action lawsuit could include individuals that have participated in this activity after February 7, 2018.
Moreover, the lawsuit further claims that video lottery terminals within the province breach the existing Criminal Code. It should be taken into account that the lawsuit is after CA$1 million in punitive damages, as well as more information on the gaming profits amassed by the said devices. Atlantic Lottery Corporation is part of a similar class-action lawsuit claiming that these devices have a deceptive nature. The outcome of that legal battle might influence this one, as well as the Canadian gaming space as a whole.
