Responsible Gambling Program

The Responsible Gambling Program is a very important part of the government’s commitment to social responsibility in Alberta’s gambling industry.

VLT retailers receive training, in the form of a videotape, which deals with problem gambling awareness and the myths perpetuated by the problem gambler and often unwittingly by others.

Once this training has been completed, the retailer submits the AADAC/AGLC Responsible Gambling Program Completion Form . This training helps retailers and their staff explore the options in providing assistance to customers that may have a gambling problem.

There are two mandatory and two voluntary components of the Responsible Gambling Program:

Mandatory

1) Awareness training for all staff that have any involvement with VLTs.

2) Posting all signs that are required by the AGLC. The signs must be current and in good condition.

VLT retailers who do not comply with the mandatory components may have their VLT Retailer Agreement terminated.

Voluntary

1) Establishment owners or one senior staff member meet the voluntary components requirements of the Responsible Gambling Program, including ensuring provision of related treatment and prevention information as well as completion of the Responsible Gambling survey.
2) VLT retailers provide some type of server intervention product that includes the AADAC help-line phone number. The AADAC business cards available through the AGLC Hotline qualify as a server intervention product.

Responsible Gambling Program Yearly Awards

VLT retailers fulfilling all four of the above components will be identified as a Responsible Gambling Venue and, as such, are eligible for a yearly award.

The award includes a certificate of recognition, a wall plaque and an advertisement in the retailer’s local newspaper. These products recognize the establishment’s participation in the Responsible Gambling Program.

In 2005-2006, 338 VLT retailers made the extra effort beyond the mandatory components and successfully met the AGLC’s requirements to qualify for an award.

To be eligible for an award, VLT Retailers are required to complete all four components of the Responsible Gambling Program.

For more information on the retailers that received an award in your community, please see the list of qualifying retailers.

For more information on the Responsible Gambling Program, please contact the AGLC.