Gambling risks

Re: Don’t build casino, public health warns, Aug. 13.

Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation recognizes the risks associated with gambling and the serious effects they can have on people and families. That’s why we deal with problem gambling head-on.

With contributions from OLG, Ontario has the best funded responsible gambling program in North America. Each year, through the Ministry of Health, approximately $50 million is spent on researching, preventing and mitigating problem gambling. This includes funding for free problem gambling counselling services at 52 locations across Ontario, including four in Ottawa: Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, Amethyst Women’s Addiction Centre, Centretown Community Health Centre and Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services.

OLG has Responsible Gambling Centres at all of our sites. Our eight largest sites are supported by staff from the Responsible Gambling Council. Our front-line staff receive training developed by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to recognize and respond to players who ask for help. Plans for new or expanded gaming facilities are based on a moderate evolution of a gambling model available since the mid-1990s. This fact is critical when discussing questions related to potential long-term increases in problem gambling rates.

A 2007 study of problem gambling literature for the Canadian Gaming Association found that, while the introduction of new forms of gambling result in an initial increase in problem gambling prevalence, this is followed by a plateau and a decline over time. Furthermore, gambling is not new to Ottawa. For 13 years, the city has had a gaming facility at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

OLG is already working on solutions related to ideas raised in Ottawa’s Public Health report, including building time and money limits into future slot machines. OLG is working on using data analysis to provide feedback to players based on individual behaviour and history of play. We will also be seeking innovative solutions for the placement of ATMs to address RG concerns, while still meeting the expectations of the 95 per cent of our customers who don’t have a gambling problem.

PAUL PELLIZZARI, OLG executive director, policy and social responsibility