SK - On Line Gambling and Problem Gambling Review 110th Edition
The Problem Gambling Community Program purpose is to strengthen the
capacity of communities to respond to the negative impacts of
gambling. The program works in collaboration with Saskatchewan Health
to deliver the public education and community development components
of Saskatchewan’ s problem gambling program.
On Line Gambling and Problem Gambling Review
110th Edition: Australian Evaluation, Playmate Challenge, New Zealand
Links
1) Public Health and Gambling
Christiane Poulin Canada Research Chair in Population Health and
Addictions, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie
University, Halifax, NS, share a perspective. Three `elephants in the
room’ are brought to light.
2) Firing Line for On Line Gambling
Nelson Rose, never one to be timid, weighs in on the U.S. legislation
and on line gambling debate. Found in BASIS On Line. Nelson is a
professor at Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA. This Op-Ed piece is
one of a multitude floating across the `net.
3) Australian Evaluation Report
Frances Eltridge, Harrison Research and Paul Del Fabbro, University of
Adelaide, offer this report for the Independent Gambling Authority in
Australia.
The Authority’s final recommendations in 2003 were that 3000 machines
be removed from South Australian gaming venues (a 20% reduction). The
reduction would be based on a formula such that venues with 28 or more
machines would lose eight machine entitlements and those with between
21 and 27 would lose 1-7 machines and end up with 20 machines per
venue. The Authority’s intention was that the reduction would occur
over approximately 18 months, and be subject to supervised trading
rounds, such that venues would be allowed to sell their gaming
machines entitlements to other venues who were willing to purchase them.
In this way, it would be possible for less profitable venues to exit
the industry by selling their machines to more profitable venues. The
aim was to reduce the number of venues containing gaming machines,
while also enhancing the competitiveness and status of the
not-for-profit sector of the industry (mostly licensed clubs) that had
typically been less successful in attracting the same gaming revenue
as hotels.
Having made these recommendations in 2003, the Authority was strongly
of the view that “a structured review of the outcomes of the process
should be undertaken…[and that’ the Authority [would] conduct research
into the impact of changes to the arrangements for the management of
gaming machine numbers so as to inform a further review.” (IGA, p.3).
This view was further underscored by Section 89(1) (b) of the Gaming
Machines Act, which required that the Authority provide to the
Minister for Gambling a report on the effects of the “2004 amendments”
on gaming in South Australia in 2006, in particular “whether they had
been effective in reducing the incidence of problem gambling and the
extent of any such reduction”.
4) Play on Play . . .Playmates Presence
I don’t present the values of a moralistic curmudgeon. However, this
piece from Poker News does call for some consideration. The 2003
World Series of Poker Main Event winner Chris Moneymaker signed a
partnership with Playboy Enterprises.
Staring January 21, 2007 Moneymaker Gaming is hosting a long weekend
of cards, instruction, and parties with the Playboy Poker Camp
presented by Moneymaker Gaming. Participants will get lectures,
instructions, and demonstrations from a few of the top names in poker.
What sets this apart from other poker camps are the parties that
surround these instructional sessions. The story details the
potential dalliance with Playboy Playmates in a variety of settings.
Clinicians may have more to say about challenges facing problem
gamblers. However, I see the challenge as one more quandary about
indulgence and excess. Is such a partnership needed?
5) NCPG Calendar of Events
Drop by this listing of events provided by the National Council on
Problem Gambling. A catalogue of events in the United States is
highlighted.
6) New Zealand Key Links
The New Zealand Ministry of Health provides a number of key links.
There is not a direct relationship to problem gambling. However, the
New Zealand Health websites for one offers a helpful compendium of
resources.
7) Fighting Stress
A number of traditions and faiths celebrate important days at this
time of year . . .dive in, enjoy, and do take care to mellow out that
stress level.
