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Alberta's problem gamblers opting for voluntary self-exclusion program
December 18, 2001
Alberta's problem gamblers opting for voluntary self-exclusion program
EDMONTON (CP) -- Gambling profits may be on the rise in Alberta, but provincial figures show more residents are also choosing to ban themselves from casinos.
In the last six months, 275 people have opted for voluntary casino self-exclusion programs. That brings the total number in the province to 441.
"I call it a success," said Gaming Minister Ron Stevens. "Clearly, the word is getting out the program is in existence and people are taking advantage of it."
Statistics show Alberta has 60,000 problem gamblers, while gaming profits were just under $1 billion in 2000.
In 2001 profits are expected to reach $1.1 billion.
The self-exclusion program, which was introduced in August 2000, involves a signed pledge by problem gamblers to stay out of gaming houses for periods between six months and three years.
Each of 16 casinos in the province -- the second-highest number in Canada -- receive personal information and a photograph of the problem gambler. Violators are liable for trespassing charges.
So far one person has paid a $100 fine.
New Democrat MLA Brian Mason said the self-exclusion program is a small dent in a much larger problem.
"When the government has the majority of that 60,000 (problem gamblers) registered, and (has) included every bar and restaurant that has a VLT (in the program), then I'll grant they have been successful," he said.
Ralph McNabb of the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling said the program is largely window dressing because pledgers can ban themselves from casinos, then head down the street to a lounge full of video lottery terminals.
"It provides for a bit of awareness, but it's not effective," McNabb said.
"If I'm a gambler and my wife is after me, I'm going to tell her I'm going to stop gambling and ban myself from the casino.
"That may appease her, but you could go somewhere else to gamble."
McNabb said most problem gamblers hit rock bottom before they seek help. Often they are in debt, being threatened with divorce, fired from their job or charged with criminal offences.
Alberta is lifting a moratorium on new casinos in January.
Stevens, who said the ruling Tories are committed to helping citizens battle gambling addiction, pointed out the government has made a $4.6-million commitment to the Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission.
(Calgary Herald)
Alberta's problem gamblers opting for voluntary self-exclusion program
EDMONTON (CP) -- Gambling profits may be on the rise in Alberta, but provincial figures show more residents are also choosing to ban themselves from casinos.
In the last six months, 275 people have opted for voluntary casino self-exclusion programs. That brings the total number in the province to 441.
"I call it a success," said Gaming Minister Ron Stevens. "Clearly, the word is getting out the program is in existence and people are taking advantage of it."
Statistics show Alberta has 60,000 problem gamblers, while gaming profits were just under $1 billion in 2000.
In 2001 profits are expected to reach $1.1 billion.
The self-exclusion program, which was introduced in August 2000, involves a signed pledge by problem gamblers to stay out of gaming houses for periods between six months and three years.
Each of 16 casinos in the province -- the second-highest number in Canada -- receive personal information and a photograph of the problem gambler. Violators are liable for trespassing charges.
So far one person has paid a $100 fine.
New Democrat MLA Brian Mason said the self-exclusion program is a small dent in a much larger problem.
"When the government has the majority of that 60,000 (problem gamblers) registered, and (has) included every bar and restaurant that has a VLT (in the program), then I'll grant they have been successful," he said.
Ralph McNabb of the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling said the program is largely window dressing because pledgers can ban themselves from casinos, then head down the street to a lounge full of video lottery terminals.
"It provides for a bit of awareness, but it's not effective," McNabb said.
"If I'm a gambler and my wife is after me, I'm going to tell her I'm going to stop gambling and ban myself from the casino.
"That may appease her, but you could go somewhere else to gamble."
McNabb said most problem gamblers hit rock bottom before they seek help. Often they are in debt, being threatened with divorce, fired from their job or charged with criminal offences.
Alberta is lifting a moratorium on new casinos in January.
Stevens, who said the ruling Tories are committed to helping citizens battle gambling addiction, pointed out the government has made a $4.6-million commitment to the Alberta Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Commission.
(Calgary Herald)