This week is Responsible Gambling Awareness Week in Richmond and residents may notice numerous gambling "mythbusting" kiosks set up in public spaces around the city.
It's the first public relations outreach event of its kind in the city and will, in part, end with a free public skate, courtesy of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, at Minoru Arenas this Saturday from 2-5 p.m. The goal of the events is to raise awareness for responsible gambling as well as the support services available in the community.
The kiosks have information in several languages on responsible gambling practices.
On Monday, BCLC and the B.C. Responsible and Problem Gambling Program also announced the Community Sponsorship for Health and Wellness programs whereby non-profit organizations that promote health and wellness can receive an additional $5,000 for their programs.
"The sponsorship is a way for BCLC to demonstrate its commitment to healthy communities," said Susan Dolinski, BCLC vice-president of communications.
David Horricks, director of the responsible gambling program, said B.C. is among the leaders of North American governments that operate gaming corporations. His job is to regulate the industry and provide services and information throughout communities.
"We believe people have the right to choice in terms of gambling and we want to support them in terms of being able to gamble recreationally and responsibly," said Horricks, who added that problem gambling has held steady in recent years.
A study released late last year by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry
Kendall noted that in 2007 about 160,000 - or 4.6 per cent - of British Columbians have a gambling problem or are at risk of having one. From 2002 to 2007, the number of severe gambling addictions rose from 13,000 to 31,000 while the percentage of British Columbians gambling in any form actually went down from 85 per cent to 73 per cent.
Meanwhile in 2012, gaming revenue generated about $2 billion for the province, according to Kendall's study. In 2003, gaming grossed $1.1 billion.
Kendall noted the prevalence rate of problem gamblers still remains relatively low in B.C. and the province is right at the provincial average for gaming related revenue.
Horricks said his department is already implementing some of the 17 recommendations Kendall made in his report.
He said the key is to strike a balance between regulating and preventing problematic gambling that can result in health and social problems.
"The issue that responsible gambling is an oxymoron - I understand that's a common statement - but I don't think it makes sense because 95 per cent of people gamble recreationally and we support that. It is the five per cent that we want to make sure are covered," said Horricks.
River Rock Casino Resort opened in Richmond in 2004 and has since given the city 10 per cent of revenues to be used by the city for various budgetary needs. Gaming revenue represents 3.5 per cent of city revenue. This year, the city's cut is expected to be about $15 million.
"Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is all about being healthy and mindful citizens while enjoying the entertainment of gambling," noted Mayor Malcolm Brodie in a news release.
In the fiscal year 2012/13, organizations based in Richmond received about $5 million in gaming grants. The majority of the grants went to sport, arts and social services groups as well as parent advisory committees.
On Thursday at the Vancouver Airport Marriott Hotel, BCLC, in conjunction with the city's problem gambling steering committee and River Rock Casino, will host a free seminar and workshop on responsible gambling.
The application deadline for the sponsorship program is June 30.
Five gambling myths: 1. Slot machines don't get 'hot' 2. Lucky numbers don't actually exist 3. If you lose you aren't 'due' for a win 4. There are no lucky charms 5. Playing more doesn't increase your odds 2012/13 gaming grants went to:. Richmond Minor Hockey $120,000. Richmond Addictions Services $100,000. Richmond Girls Soccer $120,000. Ferris Elementary PAC $10,400
