Frequently Asked
Questions - Responsible Gambling
What programs does the AGLC have to educate and inform the playing public about responsible gambling?
On its own and in conjunction with industry partners, the AGLC has
initiated the following responsible gambling educational programs:
- Deal
Us In: A mandatory training program for all casino
and Racing Entertainment Centre (REC) staff. The Deal Us
In program provides casino and REC staff with the knowledge
and skills to help recognize and provide guidance to gamblers
in their venues who may be experiencing problems as a result
of their gambling.
- Reel
Facts: The Reel Facts online training program
was developed to instruct employees in licensed establishments
with VLTs about responsible gambling, what it is and how to
promote healthy attitudes towards gambling.
- Responsible
Gambling Awards Program: A recognition-based program sponsored
by the AGLC, the Responsible Gambling Awards Program features
mandatory and voluntary components, all of which equip VLT retailers
and their staff with the information and education to help their
customers understand what responsible gambling is, the behaviours
associated with it and the importance of setting limits.
- Responsible
Gambling Information Centres: Staffed by an AGLC representative,
these in-casino kiosks are equipped with public education materials
that provide gamblers with information about the cost of play,
house advantage and the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program.
RGIC reps are available for discussions about responsible and
problem gambling and provide support and referrals.
- Player
Awareness Terminal (PAT): Placed in RGICs, the PAT features
a series of interactive screens that offer players a self-test,
myths and tips on how to develop safe and responsible gambling
guidelines and behaviours.
- Voluntary
Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program: The VSE program is designed
for people who feel it is in their best interests to take a break
from gambling. By submitting an application to the AGLC, participants
can voluntarily agree to be excluded from entering all Alberta
casinos and RECs for a specified time period.
- Responsible
Gambling Awareness Week: First launched in October, 2007,
this annual provincial event is intended to educate and inform
Alberta’s gambling public about the need to gamble responsibly
and to prevent problem gambling.
Where are the Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs) located?
The AGLC has installed RGICs in the following casinos and Racing
Entertainment Centre (two more RGICs are scheduled to be installed
in Alberta casinos by March, 2009):
Century Casino – Edmonton
Palace Casino - Edmonton
River Cree Resort & Casino – Edmonton
Cash Casino – Calgary *
Grey Eagle Casino – Calgary *
Deerfoot Resort & Casino – Calgary
Stampede Casino – Calgary
Cash Casino – Red Deer *
Jackpot Casino – Red Deer *
Camrose Casino – Camrose
Casino Dene – Cold Lake
Boomtown Casino – Fort McMurray *
Great Northern – Grande Prairie *
Northlands (Racing Entertainment Centre) – Edmonton
* These RGICs are in the process of being installed, with completion by mid-October, 2008.
Where can I get more information on the Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program?
The AGLC staff representatives in RGICs can provide information
on the VSE program and assist with enrollment. VSE
Program brochures and application
forms are also available at all casinos and Racing Entertainment
Centres, as well as AGLC
offices in St. Albert and Calgary. Participants in the VSE program
can request exclusion from a casino or REC for time periods ranging
from six months to three years. The program is administered by the
AGLC and enforced by casino security staff.
For more information on this program, contact the AGLC Social Responsibility
Division in the St. Albert office at 780-447-7420 or 1-800-272-8876
during business hours, 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding
holidays.
Where can I find more information about problem gambling?
Some of the warning
signs of problem gambling are described on this website, as
are the myths
vs. facts of electronic gambling and tips
on responsible gambling.
If you are concerned or want to talk with someone about your gambling
or the gambling behaviour of a friend or relative, call the AADAC
toll-free problem gambling help-line at 1-866-332-2322 or contact
your local AADAC office.
What is the VLT Responsible Gambling Awards Program?
The VLT Responsible Gambling
Awards program features mandatory and voluntary components, all of
which equip VLT retailers and their staff with the information and
education to help their customers understand what responsible gambling
is, and the behaviours associated with it. The program training helps
VLT retail staff enable patrons to make informed choices about gambling,
and set their own limits. VLT retailers fulfilling both the mandatory
and voluntary components will be identified as a Responsible Gambling
venue and as such, are eligible for the yearly VLT Responsible Gambling
Award.
What percentage of Albertans are problem gamblers?
While 82% of adult Albertans have gambled, problem gambling research
estimates 1.3% of adults are at high risk of becoming problem gamblers.
Another 3.9% are at moderate risk of developing gambling problems
and 9.8% are at low risk of developing gambling problems. (Canadian
Problem Gambling Index Survey - 2002)
Does the AGLC have a policy regarding the location of ATMs in premises with VLTs?
Since July 2006, AGLC policy has dictated that all ATMs must be
a minimum of 15 feet from the nearest VLT. Where physically possible,
the ATM should be situated in an area not visible from the VLT playing
area.
What is the purpose of ensuring that ATMs are 15 feet away from VLTs?
Research indicates that problem gamblers access ATMs twice as often
as recreational gamblers. The 15 feet between an ATM and VLT may
provide patrons with time to re-think their decision to withdraw
more funds and encourage patrons to gamble responsibly.
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