Ever wonder when you play blackjack, who wins when you and the dealer both ‘bust’ your hand?
Do you know the odds of winning a lottery jackpot by picking 7 out of 7 numbers?
If you rolled ‘snake eyes’ once, what are your chances of rolling them again?
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC) is launching GameSense, a responsible gambling program that will provide Albertans with the opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of gambling while enjoying it as a form of entertainment.
“GameSense represents AGLC’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility in gaming environments. This proactive program provides an opportunity to educate Albertans about healthy gambling behaviours and making informed choices. GameSense will help provide a higher level of awareness about responsible gambling resources and tools available in gaming venues.”
- Bill Robinson, President and CEO Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis
GameSense focuses on educating the players about various aspects of gambling entertainment, while reducing the stigma associated with accessing information and resources on responsible gambling.
The program also encourages the players to reflect on their gambling behaviour so that they can be more proactive in adopting healthy approaches towards gambling.
GameSense was developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) in 2009. The GameSense brand and program is already implemented in B.C., Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Massachusetts, U.S.
“I’m delighted BCLC’s GameSense brand and programming is being adopted by AGLC. Through research and player feedback, we’ve built this award-winning program to raise awareness of responsible gambling practices and reducing potential harm. It’s based on supporting people to make informed choices about their gambling.”
- Jim Lightbody, President and Chief Executive Officer British Columbia Lottery Corporation
GameSense Info Centres and advisors are available in all Alberta casinos. In the near future, GameSense messaging and materials will be rolling out at various gaming venues such as lottery ticket booths, vlt locations, and bingo halls.
For more information and resources, visit the GameSense website.
GameSense is being launched in the lead up to the Annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, October 12-18. Since 2007, the week has served as a platform to educate the public about responsible and problem gambling.
During the week, AGLC staff in gaming venues also focus on encouraging Albertans who choose to gamble to treat gambling as a form of entertainment. For more information on AGLC’s responsible gambling programs, visit aglc.ca.
AGLC is committed to providing safe and responsible gaming entertainment options for Alberta players.
AGLC also supports provincial efforts to reduce gambling-related harm, with a goal to enable Albertans to make positive choices for themselves and enjoy gambling activities in a fun and responsible way.
If you or someone else you know needs help with managing gambling behaviour, call the Alberta Health Services Addiction confidential hotline, toll free, at 1-866-332-2322.
Editor's note:
Answers to the responsible gambling questions from the lead paragraph:
- The dealer wins as it is house advantage.
- One in 28,633,528.
- You are no more or no less likely on the next roll to get ‘snake eyes’ again.