Deal Us In Casino Staff Training

What is Deal Us In Casino Staff Training?

Deal Us In is a mandatory training program for all casino and racing entertainment centre (REC) registered gaming workers.

In this course, participants will learn about:

• Responsible gambling - what it is and how registered gaming workers can promote healthy attitudes towards gambling;
• Problem gambling and some of the signs of gambling addiction;
• The words and actions that tend to reinforce the gambler's myths that lead to unhealthy behaviours and how to avoid their use; and
• Programs and services that are available to help reduce the incidence of problem gambling

There is an exam following the completion of the program. Participants may go back and review the lessons before taking the exam. Registered gaming workers who pass the exam will receive a certificate of completion.

Why was it created?

The first phase of the program was introduced as an online training program (dealusin.aglc.ca), as part of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission's SMART Training programs. The AGLC is committed to ensuring that individuals working in the gaming industry are adequately trained to:

• Promote responsible gambling
• Help licensees and staff fulfill social responsibilities
• Help achieve a balance between creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for customers and reducing liability
• Help licensees and staff understand and apply relevant legislation

What are the benefits of this training?

The Deal Us In training program helps 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.

Often, unknowingly, we can perpetuate illusions about gambling which can encourage gamblers to continue to practice unhealthy and harmful behaviours. If employees understand those myths and how not to perpetuate them, they can be very helpful in correcting the gambler's irrational thinking, thereby helping to prevent gambling problems.

Who is required to take the training?  And by when?

Deal Us In training is mandatory for all casino/REC licensees' registered gaming workers. Effective July 1, 2010, registered gaming workers are required to complete Deal Us In training within 30 days of their employment start date.

Deal Us In training completed on or after July 1, 2010 will be valid for five years. Gaming industry workers who completed Deal Us In prior to July 1, 2010 will be required to renew their certification two years after the date of completion.

All gaming industry workers who successfully complete Deal Us In are issued a laminated card that must be presented to an AGLC inspector upon request. Deal Us In certification applies to the individual named on the certificate, not to the venue where that person works. A person with valid Deal Us In certification may use it at any licensed premises in Alberta.

What casino/REC positions can take the Deal Us In - Phase One program instead of the full ProServe course?

• Slot shift managers or supervisors
• Slot attendants
• Pit bosses/supervisors
• Dealers

What topics are covered?

Deal Us In has two phases.

In Phase One of this course, you will:

• Develop an awareness of responsible gambling
• Learn to recognize problem gambling and some of the signs of gambling addiction
• Learn how to respond appropriately to problem gambling
• Learn how to make help available to problem gamblers and become aware of the programs and services available to help reduce incidences of problem gambling
• Identify and respond appropriately to intoxicated customers and minors

Phase Two is more intensive training for management and security staff selected by casino or REC management. The purpose of Phase Two is to teach designated staff how to respond appropriately to front-line staff referrals, and when and how to conduct patron interventions. A sound knowledge of these two areas is critical to successful interactions between staff and players seeking help with problem gambling - Phase Two uses role-playing scenarios to cover communication skills and intervention techniques.

Phase Two training is delivered by the AGLC's Responsible Gambling Information Centre Representatives. Contact your supervisor for more information on the Phase Two program.

Effective July 1st, 2010 all registered casino and REC workers will be required to obtain Deal Us In - Phase One program certification within 30 days of being hired. Training acquired after this date is valid for five years. For more information about the Deal Us In program, please visit dealusin.aglc.ca.

I took my Deal Us In training before July 1st, 2010. How will this change affect my current training certificate status?

Your current training certificate expiration requirement will remain the same.  Once your old certificate expires (two years from the date you completed your Deal Us In training), you will be required to renew your certification. Training acquired after July 1, 2010 will be valid for a period of five years.

What if I become a new employee just prior to July 1, 2010?  How long do I have to get my SMART Training?

If you are a new employee to the liquor and gaming industry and you have not completed the SMART Training program(s) required for your position as of July 1st, 2010, you will have 30 days to complete the appropriate SMART programs.

How do I register?  How much does it cost?

You can register for Deal Us In training in the following ways:

Online:  If you have completed ProServe, Reel Facts, A Good Call or ProTect training online, you already have an account. Please visit dealusin.aglc.ca and use the same login and password to complete your Deal Us In course online.

Facilitated seminar: Responsible Gambling Information Centre Representatives (RGIC Reps) deliver Deal Us In facilitated training in seminars at your casino. Please contact the RGIC Rep assigned to your casino to register for the next Deal Us In seminar.

There is no charge for casino and REC staff to take either phase of the Deal Us In program.

What is expected of me after I take the program?

Employees are not expected to be counselors or to interfere with a patron's gambling.  Workers should be aware of signs of problem gambling, be available to talk with a patron who may open up to them, and be able to discreetly and respectfully offer information on assistance programs.

What if I change my place of employment, but am still working in a casino or REC?

The Deal Us In certificate of completion may be used as proof of program completion in all casinos/RECs in Alberta.  If you have relocated and have not received your certificate, please contact the SMART Training office.

Toll-free, the SMART Training administrative support team can be reached at 1-877-436-6336, Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

What if I already took other training?

Responsible gambling programs from outside the province of Alberta are not transferable.

What happens if I do not comply?

Deal Us In is mandatory under AGLC policy. Licensees who employ non-certified workers can be issued a warning, fine, license suspension or license termination. AGLC policies are available online.

What if I have questions?

Detailed information about Deal Us In may be obtained by:

Phone: Contact the SMART Training office toll-free at 1-877-436-6336 during business hours (Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m.) The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Fax: 780-447-7550

Email:  info@dealusin.aglc.ca

Accompanying program materials