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Canadian Gaming Operator’s recognize the need to conduct gaming in a socially responsible manner. This means ensuring accurate information is available to help people make informed gambling decisions and ensuring programs are in place for problem gambling assistance.
Informed decision making is the cornerstone of Responsible Gaming and Canada is considered a world leader in this area. For instance, most casinos now have Responsible Gaming Information Centre’s (RGIC) on-site to provide patrons with tools to gamble safely and information on:
- Randomness and house advantage in casino games
- How slot machines work
- How much it will cost to play casino games
- Tips on safe, responsible gambling strategies
- Voluntary Exclusion Programs
Differing by province, a range of other Responsible gaming tools are available including: Responsible Gaming awareness campaigns; player information brochures; expenditure tracking logs, gaming activity reports, VLT Responsible Gaming Features, School based programs, and dedicated websites.
The overwhelming majority of Canadians see gaming as a form of leisure and entertainment. However, for some people gambling can become a problem. All provinces have established helpline numbers to assist gamblers or affected friends and family members in this reqard. They also have established Voluntary Exclusion programs which allow people to take a break from casino gambling if they choose. Other problem gambling assistance includes counseling services through the local treatment provider, local self help groups such as gambler’s anonymous, financial counseling services and residential treatment programs.
It is important for gaming industry staff to be aware of and understand both responsible gaming and problem gambling as a part of good customer service. For this reason, gaming operators provide varying levels of training, providing staff with information on their specific roles and responsibilities.
Below are links to Responsible Gaming programs listed by province:
British Columbia
www.bclc.com/cm/gamesense/home.htm
www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
Alberta
www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/responsiblegambling/responsiblegamingprogram.asp
Saskatchewan
www.health.gov.sk.ca/responsible-gambling
www.slga.gov.sk.ca/x3727.xml
www.siga.sk.ca/
Manitoba
www.mlc.mb.ca/MLC/content.php?pageid=400&langdir.
www.getgamblingfacts.ca
Ontario
www.responsiblegambling.org/
www.knowyourlimit.ca
Quebec
www.lotoquebec.com/corporatif/nav/en/responsible-gaming
www.misesurtoi.ca
New Brunswick
www.alc.ca/PlayResponsibly.aspx
Nova Scotia
www.nsgc.ca/rgpp.php
www.yourbestbet.ca/
Prince Edward Island
www.alc.ca/PlayResponsibly.aspx
Newfoundland and Labrador
www.alc.ca/PlayResponsibly.aspx
Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling
www.cprg.ca
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