March 23, 2022
Manitoba Government Supports Businesses by Absorbing Video Lottery Terminal Licencing Fees for Six Months
The Manitoba government is absorbing six months’ worth of video lottery terminal (VLT) licensing fees to help hundreds of businesses throughout the province, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Scott Fielding, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, announced today.
“Manitoba’s VLT siteholders faced tremendous financial pressures and significant revenue losses during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fielding. “By Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries absorbing the VLT licensing fees, it will help ease their financial burden and is yet another example of how our government is supporting Manitoba businesses and helping them thrive as we emerge from the pandemic.”
The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) levies an annual $425 licensing fee for each VLT to cover costs associated with regulatory compliance and inspection of sites. Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries collects a portion of these fees from siteholders each week and remits them to the LGCA. VLT siteholders will receive a credit on their account equal to six months of VLT licensing fees.
“We applaud this move from the provincial government,” said Manny Atwal, president and CEO, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. “This further assists this industry to get back on its feet. Throughout the pandemic, we have been committed to finding ways to help our business partners, having already absorbed almost $2.54 million of siteholder fees since 2020.”
“The Manitoba government remains committed to a strong social and economic recovery and we recognize the valuable role that hospitality businesses have to play as we progress together down this path,” said Fielding.
The minister noted this initiative will positively affect more than 450 VLT siteholders and will result in approximately $1.34 million staying in the hands of local business owners.
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