Atlantic Lotto plans to increase VLTs

The Atlantic Lottery Corporation wants to set up as many as 75 more video lottery terminals in New Brunswick.

It is inviting bids for the operation of three gaming sites under the Coasters bannerone in Fredericton and two in Saint John.

Coasters sites, which are located within licensed establishments, offer between 15 and 25 VLTs, as well as lottery tickets.

There are currently 11 Coasters sites in the province.

New Brunswick's gaming strategy, Responsible Management, Responsible Play in a Responsible Environment, introduced in 2007, allows for a maximum of 20 Category 1 venues in the province.

Successful bidders will receive a commission equal to 15 per cent of the VLT net revenues, according to the 61-page invitation.

Each site will be guaranteed for a period of not less than three years, provided the selected bidder is able to continually meet all applicable contract and site standard requirements, it states.

The sites may also be used to test new products.

The deadline for submissions is Dec. 21.

Video lottery terminals earned New Brunswick $91 million in 2010-2011, down from $100 million the year before, according to ALC's latest annual report.

ALC has said it needs to expand internationallyin order to continue to earn money.

Atlantic Business Magazine hasreported that the corporation's profits are flatlining because it can't compete with online gaming operators.