HALIFAX — Nova Scotia has rolled out a $445,000 multi-media ad campaign aimed at younger people at risk of developing serious gambling problems.

Health Promotion Minister Barry Barnet says a series of posters, along with television and radio spots, will target Nova Scotians between the ages of 19 to 34.

Barnet says the ads are based on research conducted with focus groups around the province.

They feature so-called "yellow-flag moments'' or everyday situations that should prompt gamblers and those around them to reconsider their habits and seek help.

The ads direct the public to a website (www.yellowflag.ca) where information on where to seek help can be found.

Anti-gambling activist Bernie Walsh calls the campaign "another stall tactic'' and says more serious steps would include the removal of bank machines from bars and a complete ban on all video lottery terminals.

Nova Scotia's anti-gambling strategy has already seen 800 VLTs decommissioned with another 200 targeted.