Introducing Myself

Hello,



My name is Ken Hanna and I am a reformed gambler. My life has been turned upside down as a result of my addiction to gambling. I used to gamble on horse races, cards, and other activities, but the one form of gambling that really got me into trouble was the Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). They were the ones that were always there, easy to use, very addictive, and able to suck a ton of money out at each session. I wasted over $500,000 and lost my business as a result of my addiction to VLTs and ended up leaving the province I loved because of their addictive nature.



Before I left in 1997, I founded the Atlantic Foundation on Compulsive Gambling and acted as it first executive director. I took formal training in Minneapolis, MN, on the treatment of problem gamblers, attended seminars throughout Canada & the U.S., sat on Government Advisory Boards both on the provincial & local levels. I also organized the set up of countless G .A. groups in Atlantic Canada, operated the first 800 help line for the region, conducted awareness seminars, & counseled thousands of gamblers & their families.



Since 1997, I have kept a close eye on the gambling situation in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada as a whole. I think the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is actually moving in the right direction on some of what they are calling "responsible gaming" initiatives. Unfortunately I have not seen enough and I continue to be impacted by the stories of people whose lives are ruined, and in some cases ended, as a result of their gambling addictions.



That is the reason I am launching a Class Action Lawsuit against the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, the four Atlantic Canadian Provinces, the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, the Casinos, Racinos and likely individuals associated with those groups that have and continue to do little to help people manage their gambling habits.



I know prohibition will not work, but everyone involved in managing gaming machines like VLTs and Slots, needs to make more of an effort to save people, families, and lives.



If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by gambling addictions to these machines I want to hear your story. Eventually there will be a list you can join to take part in the class action lawsuit. I have had preliminary discussions with law firms who are willing to pursue this action.



The politicians and bureaucrats who run this stuff need to hear from the people. We need to send them a message that they cannot ignore. Please share your story or any thoughts you may have.



Sincerely,



Ken Hanna
ken_hanna@hotmail.com
905-243-2950