Responsible Gambling Awareness Week - October 20-26, 2008
Responsible Gambling Programs
The AGLC is committed to providing Alberta’s gamblers with the information, programs and resources to help them make informed decisions about gambling, and to ensure that Alberta’s gamblers are aware of and can readily access problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.
On its own and in conjunction with gaming industry partners, the AGLC has developed the following programs and initiatives that gaming licensees undertake in support of their commitment to provide Albertans with a socially responsible gambling industry.
Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)
Located on the gaming floor in 15 Alberta casinos and the Northlands racing entertainment centre, the RGICs are kiosks, staffed by a representative. Available to meet with casino patrons for discussion and to provide information about responsible gambling, the RGIC representatives demonstrate the odds, randomness and the real cost of gambling through a variety of demonstration tools, including the Player Awareness Terminals (PATs), the Cost-of-Play Calculator and a video, among others. RGICs also carry a variety of informative brochures on gambling.
Self-Exclusion Program
Developed in conjunction with Alberta Health Services and the gaming industry, the Self-Exclusion program enables a casino patron to exclude himself or herself from all Alberta casinos and RECs for a specified time period. Self-exclusion forms and guidance in completing them are available at the RGICs, at casino and REC security desks or the forms can be obtained from AGLC.
Responsible Gambling Features on VLTs
Added to VLTs in 2003-04, Responsible Gambling Features include a scrolling help-line number, pop-up reminders, a 24-hour clock and a display that identifies money available for wagering in both credits and in dollars Responsible Gambling Features on VLTs help players stay aware of time expended and money spent.
Problem & Responsible Gambling Strategy: ‘Both Sides of the Coin’
Still under review, this five-year strategy (2010-14) is an update to the original strategy, developed by the AGLC in partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and in collaboration with key stakeholders. The strategy outlines a framework for the continuing development of the AGLC’s and AHS’s jointly sponsored responsible and problem gambling programs.
Click here to read the original 2005/2006 AGLC/AADAC Problem and Responsible Gambling Strategy.
Smart Training Programs
The AGLC Smart Training Programs is a suite of online training programs that supports Alberta’s liquor and gaming industries in their provision of responsible service. The AGLC is a national leader in education and training for responsible gambling and the responsible service, sale and consumption of alcohol.
AGLC Smart Training Programs for the gambling industry include:
- Deal Us In - This two-phase mandatory responsible gambling awareness training program helps gaming managers and staff in casinos and racing entertainment centres understand the differences between responsible and problem gambling, the myths associated with gambling and how to provide information to players seeking help.
- Reel Facts - This online responsible gambling awareness training program instructs managers and staff in licensed establishments with VLTs about responsible gambling and how to promote healthy attitudes towards gambling. It also helps retailers and their staff understand how they can provide assistance to customers who may have a gambling problem, in the form of support and referrals.
- A Good Call - Also a mandatory responsible gambling awareness training program, A Good Call helps bingo hall managers and staff understand the differences between responsible and problem gambling, the myths associated with gambling, and how to provide information to players seeking help. This program was developed jointly in 2006-07 by the AGLC, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and the bingo industry.