Alcohol and Gaming Authority
Encyclopedia
The Alcohol and Gaming Authority (AGA, previously known as the Nova Scotia Gaming Control Commission) is an agency of the government of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia
that regulates gambling
and alcoholic beverage
s in the province.
Upon its establishment on April 4, 1995, the Authority assumed the functions of both the Nova Scotia Liquor License Board (in administration, inspection and licensing) and the duties of the Nova Scotia Lottery Commission and the Nova Scotia Amusements Regulation Board. The merger was finalized in an Order in Council dated July 15, 1997.
The Authority's responsibilities include two broad mandates under the Gaming Control Act. The first is to license and regulate gaming activity in Nova Scotia; the second is to study and report on certain aspects of gaming in Nova Scotia. These mandates necessarily include a strong consumer protection focus. The areas of study set forth in the Act include public interest and reaction to various forms of gaming; social, economic, health, justice, and environmental impacts of gaming; and the study of gaming laws and activities in other jurisdictions.
The Alcohol and Gaming Authority is a separate and distinct entity from the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation
, and the two agencies have differing functions.
The Authority is a licensing authority for gaming, and also regulates gaming activity for which licenses have been issued. The Authority's mandate pursuant to the Theatres and Amusements Act includes film classification
, licensing, and regulation. Film classification duties involve the viewing and subsequent classification of film products for use in Nova Scotia. Licensing duties involve the licensing and regulation of theatres, places of amusement, and events where fees are charged to the public.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
that regulates gambling
Gambling
Gambling is the wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods...
and alcoholic beverage
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
s in the province.
Upon its establishment on April 4, 1995, the Authority assumed the functions of both the Nova Scotia Liquor License Board (in administration, inspection and licensing) and the duties of the Nova Scotia Lottery Commission and the Nova Scotia Amusements Regulation Board. The merger was finalized in an Order in Council dated July 15, 1997.
The Authority's responsibilities include two broad mandates under the Gaming Control Act. The first is to license and regulate gaming activity in Nova Scotia; the second is to study and report on certain aspects of gaming in Nova Scotia. These mandates necessarily include a strong consumer protection focus. The areas of study set forth in the Act include public interest and reaction to various forms of gaming; social, economic, health, justice, and environmental impacts of gaming; and the study of gaming laws and activities in other jurisdictions.
The Alcohol and Gaming Authority is a separate and distinct entity from the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation
Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation
The Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation is a Crown corporation governed by the provincial Gaming Control Act.The Nova Scotia government, and ultimately the people of Nova Scotia, are the shareholders and owners of the gaming industry in the Province. The industry is licensed and regulated by the...
, and the two agencies have differing functions.
The Authority is a licensing authority for gaming, and also regulates gaming activity for which licenses have been issued. The Authority's mandate pursuant to the Theatres and Amusements Act includes film classification
Motion picture rating system
A motion picture rating system is designated to classify films with regard to suitability for audiences in terms of issues such as sex, violence, substance abuse, profanity, impudence or other types of mature content...
, licensing, and regulation. Film classification duties involve the viewing and subsequent classification of film products for use in Nova Scotia. Licensing duties involve the licensing and regulation of theatres, places of amusement, and events where fees are charged to the public.