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6/16/2008: Status of Newfoundland and Labrador Class Action Piercey/Atlantic Lottery Corporation
In 2007 a class action suit was brought against The Atlantic Lottery Corporation. Ches Crosby Barristers:
The class action has been brought by the Piercey family on behalf of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador who have gambled on VLTs. The Plaintiffs say that Atlantic Lotto knows or ought to know that VLTs are inherently deceptive, inherently addictive, and inherently dangerous when used as intended, but has embarked on a “responsible gaming strategy” with messages to consumers which place the onus of responsibility for control and the resulting harm from loss of control on consumers. The purpose of this message strategy is to blame consumers for problem gambling and divert attention from the fact that problem gambling is a natural result of design features of the VLT.
The Plaintiffs say that VLTs do not comply with consumer protection law, specifically the Trade Practices Act of Newfoundland and Labrador. The class action seeks relief in the nature of an aggregate monetary award and such other relief that the court considers appropriate.
Full text of the statement of claim
News coverage:
CBC - VLT suicides’ families want machines banned June 27, 2005
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