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“The money from video slots is addictive for governments, but they should also remember the large social cost that often manifests itself in financial ruin and suicides.”

Bill Robinson, president and chief executive of the AGLC, said changes in Albertan’s disposable income can create fluctuations in revenues, but he also noted they can rise or fall based on the appeal of the gambling options offered to bettors.

The commission’s 2013-14 annual report notes that an upgrade of all 6,000 video lottery terminals — introduced to Alberta two decades ago — had just been completed to ensure gamblers had access to the “best content and hardware.”

Robinson also noted that an Indian resort and casino near Edmonton was recently the first in Canada to introduce the popular Konami Titan 360 that the annual report said boasts a “12-foot tall bonus wheel and large metallic rolling balls used to determine bonus prize amount” that “entertains onlookers and engages players.”

Smith said the gaming industry is constantly coming up with products that will induce people to play longer and bet more.

“There is a science to getting people to keep on going even though they are losing,” he said.

“Until now, we’ve restricted these video slots to casinos and bars, but now the AGLC seems to want to introduce a product that will let people sit at home in the pyjamas all day and gamble.”

Joe Ceci, the New Democrat’s freshly-minted finance minister, was noncommittal about the commission’s plan to improve and increase its gambling offerings by creating an online casino like those run by eight of 10 other provinces.