CAN (SK) - “On Line Gambling and Problem Gambling Review 116th Edition: EGM Study in Saskatchewan, British Code and EU Action
1) Electronic Gaming Machines and Problem Gambling
The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority asked the Responsible
Gambling Council to prepare the report. Key elements include a review
of . . .
a) EGM Features
b) Venue Features
c) Community Accessibility
The Minister responsible in the provincial government cabinet
indicated as a response “there will not be an increase in the cap of
4,000 video lottery terminals in the province.” She also indicated
that there would be no further approval of new casinos in the province
after two First Nation casinos are opened.
Ed. Note: I have read the report and my reaction is one of
disappointment. I would suggest that there are two areas that present
our province with options for action. Slowing the rate of play of
EGM’s (electronic gaming machines) would be helpful. Anecdotal
information that I have from several counsellors indicates that
players note how quickly they can lose so much money while playing
VLTs. A second step would be to move to apply ’smart card’
technology. The technology can include card based access controls,
player-controlled self-limits, provider-controlled self-limits and
perhaps self-exclusion from play or access to sites.
There remains much work to be done on a whole array of technology.
However, waiting for further research is a shallow and limited response.
2) Full Court Press In Nevada
Reps. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Jon Porter, R-Nev. are working on
legislation that would require the National Academy of Sciences to
conduct an 18-month study of online wagering. “The purpose of our
bill is to provide a comprehensive study with detailed information on
the expanded growth of Internet gambling,” Berkley said.
Thanks to David Schwartz www.dieiscast. com for this piece.
3) British Code of Conduct
Roger Wisbey, the secretary of the Committee of Advertising Practice
and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice, said the changes
marked “a significant milestone” in the way betting and gaming could
be advertised.
The self-regulatory body that draws up the codes with which all
advertisers must comply said March 12/07 the “strict new rules” would
ensure the adverts remained socially responsible.
4) European Union Flexing Muscles on Internet Gambling
The Commission for the European Union today demanded that countries
who do not allow out of country sports betting, or Internet gambling
activities, yet promote in-country gambling such as government run
lotteries and casinos, must open up their borders to gambling or the
EU can take them to court.
In a related piece . . .
European sources have now reported that the Czech Republic could soon
begin a governmental probe into on line gambling sites, fueled by
complaints that domestic operators are being discriminated against by
Czech laws that preserve a gambling monopoly for the government.
5) New Zealand Social Marketing
In response to the issue of problem gambling the Health Sponsorship
Council (HSC) has developed and implemented a national social
marketing program that strengthens society’s understanding and
awareness of, and response to, gambling-related harms.
Click on `Our Communities, Our Families, Our Problem’ to view some
innovative video clips that are contained within the program.
6) New York Council Web Site
Drop by the website of the New York Council on Problem Gambling. The
site has a number of helpful resources. The well-known risks to youth
are noted within the site. It is important to recognize universally
recognized youth gambling problems. Action is the key to making a
difference at an early age.
“The New York Council on Problem Gambling is a not-for-profit
independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about
problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services
and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling. The Council
maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a Board of
Directors.”
