New campaign to create awareness about problem gambling

Health and Community Services Minister Tom Osborne today officially launched a new advertising campaign aimed at educating the public about the risks associated with problem gambling, particularly related to VLT use. The campaign titled �Are you playing the game, or is the game playing you� consists of four, 30-second television commercials including a 1-800 problem gambling helpline number where those with problem gambling, or their loved ones, can go to get help.

"Government recognizes the harmful effects that problem gambling can have on an individual�s life and on the lives of their loved ones. Gambling is not a risk-free form of entertainment. While we recognize that not all VLT users become problem gamblers, it is important that those who play VLTs are aware of the risks involved," said Minister Osborne. "The campaign highlights the impacts that problem gambling can have on individuals, their families and their loved ones, and lets them know that assistance is available through our 1-800 gambling helpline."

The campaign is in response to the provincial Gambling Prevalence Study, released in November 2005. The study found that approximately 84 per cent of respondents in the province have gambled at least once in the past 12 months, which is consistent with the results of other gambling prevalence studies in the country. Gamblers were equally split between males and females, with the typical gambler being between the ages of 35-54, married, had completed at least some post-secondary education, and employed full-time. The typical income ranged from $20,001 to $60,000.

The study defined problem gambling as gambling behaviour that creates negative consequences for the gambler, others in his or her social network, or for the community. Approximately 1.2 per cent of those surveyed were identified as problem gamblers, representing approximately 4,641 adult residents in the province. The study also concluded that a total of 8.6 per cent of VLT players were problem gamblers.

The new ad campaign will air on CBC, NTV and Rogers Cable in the coming days and will also be featured in theatre advertising across the province.

To strengthen resources to assist persons struggling with gambling and other addictions, government invested a further $1 million in Budget 2006 to add nine new addictions counsellors in the province for primary prevention and treatment, and to respond to needs identified in the Gambling Prevalence Study released last fall. An additional $1.1 million will be spent this year to construct a new provincial addictions treatment centre in Corner Brook as part of a $3 million project. The new centre will provide enhanced treatment for persons with addictions, including non-medical detox services which will allow for seamless transfer from detox to treatment.

In light of serious issues facing families surrounding gambling addictions in the province, government has taken strong action to reduce the harmful effects of VLT use by implementing a five-year VLT reduction plan which will see the number of machines in the province reduced by approximately 15 per cent. Government is also seeking innovative ways to program VLTs to deter misuse of these machines.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

2006 05 17                            12:35 p.m.