Despite ad hoc statements from provincial politicians rejecting the idea of Nova Scotia following other Canadian provinces into the online gambling sector , industry observers continue to await the publication of the province’s gambling strategy.
It’s been a long process, and this week further delays were occasioned by Premier Darrell Dexter’s provincial cabinet reshuffle, which added two new ministers and played musical chairs with other ministerial portfolios.
Responsibility for Alcohol and Gaming matters has been shifted to Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, where John MacDonell has been newly appointed. The Premier’s thinking is that MacDonell’s portfolio deals with licensing, permits, enforcement and providing front-line service to the public, and is therefore a good fit for gambling.
Presumably this means that MacDonell will be working closely with the Finance Minister in presenting the new gambling strategy….but who knows when?