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February 15, 2006
Alberta opens info centres in casinos to help gamblers
Edmonton... Patrons at two casinos will have easier access to information on responsible gambling thanks to a new pilot project underway in Alberta.
The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC), in partnership with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), is opening a Responsible Gambling Information Centre in Edmonton's Palace Casino on February 15 and a second that will open in Calgary's Deerfoot Casino in the spring. The centres are an on-site source for information and assistance for gamblers.
"Having this information centre located in the casino puts information and a trained counselor where it is needed," said Gordon Graydon, Minister of Gaming. "We are committed to raising awareness and reducing the risk of problem gambling."
The AGLC and AADAC have worked together to develop this centre and its materials to be useful and convenient for casino patrons. This project is part of an overall strategy to raise awareness of problem gambling and encourage responsible behaviour. "By working closely with AADAC on this and other projects, we can ensure all information is helpful to individuals experiencing problems," added Graydon.
"This is a good first step in a comprehensive approach to provide support and services for Albertans dealing with the issues of problem gambling," says Dave Rodney, MLA Calgary Lougheed and AADAC Chair. "This project supports AADAC's vision for a healthy society that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol, other drugs and gambling."
The Responsible Gambling Information Centres will provide patrons with information about the financial cost of play, house advantage and the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. It will also serve as an entry point for AADAC problem gambling support and services. The centre will be open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 8:00 p.m. and will be manned by an AADAC-trained counselor. Both casino operators have been very supportive of this project and the need to raise awareness about responsible gambling.
The pilot project will be completed in March 2008. Two evaluations will be completed; one at the mid-point with any necessary enhancements or program changes implemented at that time and a second evaluation upon completion. The cost of the project, including the display and staffing for two locations is $300,000.
The Alberta government is a strong supporter of problem gambling treatment and research. AADAC's information, prevention and treatment programs are funded through the Alberta Lottery Fund. In 2005-2006, AADAC received $63 million from the Alberta Lottery Fund.
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Attachments: Backgrounder on problem gambling and social responsibility fact sheet.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
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Jennifer Raimundo |
Melissa Lovatt |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
AADAC-Making a difference in people's lives
February 15, 2006
AADAC'S Problem Gambling Programs and Services
Problem gambling is the term used to describe gambling activity that causes harm in important areas of a person's life such as finances, relationships with family and friends, performance at work or school or physical or emotional well-being. The harm may mean occasional difficulties or ongoing and serious consequences of excessive gambling. The earlier a person seeks help for his/her gambling problem or for someone close, the better.
Approximately 80 per cent of adult Albertans take part in gambling entertainment. Of those people, five per cent experience moderate to severe problems as a result of their gambling.
Since 1994, AADAC has been delivering a variety of programs and services to address problem gambling in the province. AADAC offers an integrated approach to treatment, which includes public awareness and information, prevention, crisis stabilization and counselling as well as a 24-hour toll-free help line. Last year, AADAC allocated $5.1 million to deliver and support its problem gambling services across the province. In the area of prevention and public awareness, AADAC:
In the area of treatment, AADAC:
In partnership with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, AADAC:
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Melissa Lovatt, AADAC
Communications
Phone: (780) 415-8879
Cell: (780) 909-7059
Being Responsible - Quick Facts
(February 2006)Being Responsible
In Alberta, we all have a role to play in being socially responsible. For the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, this means being accountable and providing policies, regulations, and educational programs as well as tools to provide safe delivery of gaming and liquor activities for:
Customer care programs and industry training have been implemented as a part of this commitment. Programs include:
Tips for Responsible Gambling
To help you manage gambling in the same manner as other entertainment choices, here are a few ideas:
Warning Signs
Here are a few warning signs that gambling has become a problem:
Cost of Play
Remember that gambling is entertainment. These games of chance are a form of entertainment, at a price to you, the player. Casino gaming should not be considered a way for you to make money. Consider these entertainment cost comparisons:
1 movie, 1 popcorn and 1 soda = about $21
1 dinner for two = about $60
2 hockey tickets, parking and 2 hot dogs = about $108
Gambling Myths
Myth: Some machines are "due" to pay
Fact: VLTs and slot machine games are designed and programmed to pay out randomly no matter how many wins or losses occurred in the past. A machine that has not paid out for sometime has no greater chance of paying out in the future. The result of the last game played has no bearing on the result of the next game.
Myth: Players can control the outcome.
Fact: It is impossible to control the outcome of any spin. In fact the outcome is determined as soon as players hit the spin button.
Myth: Hitting the stop button at just the right moment will cause a winning combination.
Fact: Winning combinations are randomly selected by the computer chip within each machine; there is nothing a player can do to influence the outcome.
Myth: Electronic gaming machines tend to pay out higher amounts or more frequently at certain times.
Fact: All machines operate randomly. This means the next outcome on a machine is not predictable and is not linked to time of day or calendar.
Myth: Playing the same numbers every week gives me a greater chance at winning the Jackpots.
Fact: All numbers have the same chance of being selected for every draw; therefore your chances of winning are no better using the same numbers or using the quick pick method of selecting numbers.
Responsible Liquor Initiatives
The AGLC is committed to the responsible service and consumption of liquor products. To help liquor licensees and the public meet the social responsibility requirements set out in legislation, regulation and policy, the AGLC has developed a number of programs and tools.
The Alberta Server Intervention Program is an industry-led training program for staff involved in the sale and service of liquor in licensed premises. Managed by the AGLC, it is a mandatory training for licensees.
Other responsible liquor initiatives include:
AADAC Partnership
AADAC problem gambling toll-free help line:
1-866-33AADAC
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www.aglc.gov.ab.ca |
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