Finance Minister Peter Mesheau says Verdiroc Holdings can forget about building a casino on its property in downtown Moncton.

Casinos are illegal in New Brunswick and Mesheau said Wednesday the provincial government has no plans to change that.

Verdiroc, a Toronto-based company, wants Moncton council to help clear the way for it to build a gambling complex.

Verdiroc's Brett James says a casino would create jobs and provide a big boost to the local economy.

James says his company will help Moncton councillors if they decide to try to persuade the Tories to change their minds.

But some gambling opponents say they will do everything in their power to convince the government to hold the line.

Sandra Bishop says her son, Eric, killed himself because of a gambling addiction. She says any economic benefits that gambling brings are outweighed by the social costs.