|
Being responsible in the gambling industry involves a shared responsibility between the individual, government and industry. A key part of this is working together to develop and share best practices both within Alberta and other jurisdictions.
AGLC’s major partnerships involving responsible gambling include:
 |
Researching Responsible and Problem Gambling
Funded by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission,
the Alberta Gaming Research Institute (AGRI) was
established in response to a 1998 Gaming Summit recommendation.
As a
consortium of the University of Alberta, the University
of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge, the
AGRI’s primary purpose is to support and
promote research into gaming and gambling in the
province and to achieve international recognition
with this research.
For more information on the gambling-related research
and findings of the AGRI and other similar institutes,
read the AGRI’s Gambling
Research Reveals newsletter. |
 |
As AADAC has expertise on addictions treatment, education and prevention, they are a key partner in the development of our responsible gambling strategies. In 2005, AADAC and the AGLC developed a joint strategy to guide the development and delivery of responsible gambling and problem gambling programs in a more co-ordinated, collaborative and sustainable manner.
The joint Problem and Responsible Gambling Strategy reflects a shared understanding and commitment to priorities and actions in the problem and responsible gambling area. Other key programs and initiatives jointly managed by AADAC and AGLC include:
- Prevention campaigns to educate communities, players and the public on responsible and problem gambling. This includes print materials, used within gambling venues, designed to help players understand what gambling is, tips on gambling responsibly and where to get help if needed.
- Awareness and intervention training for gambling operators and retailers. This includes the Deal Us In Program for Casino and REC staff and the “Winning Moments” myth buster video used for VLT retailers and staff.
- The Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program is jointly managed by AADAC and AGLC but would not be successful without the cooperation and partnership of the Casino and REC Operators. The VSE program is seen as an effective intervention tool at gambling venues.
- As part of the Responsible Gambling Program offered by AGLC to Alberta’s VLT retailers, AGLC sponsors the annual VLT Responsible Gambling Awards. In order to qualify for the award, VLT retailers are required to fulfill the four voluntary and mandatory components of the Responsible Gambling Program, which educates retailers regarding problem gambling awareness and the options and help available for customers who may have a gambling problem.
- Responsible Gambling Awareness
Training: AADAC and AGLC jointly presented awareness
sessions to all AGLC staff. Approximately 600 AGLC employees
have attended the responsible and problem gambling awareness
training. The training sessions will continue to be offered
twice per year to ensure all new employees receive an understanding
of both responsible and problem gambling and what the two
agencies are doing to prevent, educate and help.
- Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs) are information kiosks that have been placed in a number of Alberta casinos and by the end of February, 2008, in the Northlands Racing Entertainment Centre (REC). It is anticipated that all Alberta casinos and the major RECs will feature RGICs by the end of 2009.
RGICs are staffed by an AGLC representative who is available to discuss responsible gambling and provide on-site education and information about gambling in general, such as the average cost to play, how a slot machine operates, gambling myths and facts and how wagering and payouts work. The RGIC rep can also provide referrals to agencies that offer assistance with problem gambling.
New to RGICs in 2007, as part of the launch of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, are Responsible Gambling Terminals (RGT). With plans to install the Responsible Gambling Terminals in all RGICs, these terminals feature a series of interactive screens that offer a self-test and tips to gamblers on how to develop safe, responsible personal gambling guidelines.
- AADAC will soon offer an Enhanced Help-Line Service. Enhancements would include providing qualified counsellors for immediate service and providing website service for information, prevention and counselling.
Resources:
Problem and Responsible Gambling Strategy
|
