Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)
Over the past three
years, staffed Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)
have been installed on the gaming floors of several Alberta casinos
and one Racing Entertainment Centre (Edmonton’s
Northlands). There will be a total of 16 RGICs installed in casinos
and RECs by March 31, 2009, with all casino and REC venues to
have RGICs by 2011. See
RGIC locations.
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When Gambling becomes
a problem…
RGIC representatives are a ready source of assistance and
support. When problems develop in other areas of life because
of gambling, RGIC reps can provide referrals to problem gambling
treatment agencies and programs. Each year funding
from the Alberta
Lottery Fund goes toward problem gambling information,
prevention and treatment programs. Total Alberta Lottery
Fund contributions to these AHS programs for 2008-09 were
budgeted at $90 million. For more information contact your local
AHS office, or call the AHS
Help Line at 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only). |
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The centres are staffed by representatives who meet with casino
customers and/or interested family and friends, to discuss, educate
and provide information regarding responsible and problem gambling.
RGIC representatives understand the differences between responsible
and problem gambling and can help gamblers identify and establish
responsible gambling behaviours.
The representatives
can provide information about the AGLC’s Self-Exclusion Program and assist with enrollment.
In addition to providing assistance in the form of support and
referrals to customers that may have a gambling problem, RGIC
representatives educate casino staff about the signs of problem
gambling.
While available for consultation and discussion in the RGIC
during the posted staffed hours, RGIC representatives can also
be contacted by phone or email. Contact
information is posted at the RGICs.
The RGICs are equipped with a variety of public education materials,
including the Player Awareness Terminal (PAT) and brochures that
provide gamblers with information about the Cost of Play, House
Advantage and the Self-Exclusion Program.
For more information about the RGIC’s and the services they provide, visit a centre or contact the AGLC.
Player Awareness Terminals (PATs)
First introduced
during Responsible
Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) 2007
as part of the AGLC’s
responsible gambling program, the Player Awareness Terminals
(PATs) were installed in RGICs, with RGAW 2008
(October 20 – 26) marking completion of their installation
in all RGICs.
The PATs have proven to be a popular and helpful responsible
gambling awareness tool, with their interactive screens offering
a self-test, myths and tips on how to develop safe and responsible
personal gambling guidelines and behaviours. Placement of the
terminals in bingo halls and Video Lottery Gaming Entertainment
Rooms (VGERs) is also being considered.
Resources:
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