Responsible Gambling Awareness

Nicole Lewis and Walt Kaln of the BC Lottery Corporation provided some incite and details regarding the "Responsible Gambling Awareness" programs offered in BC to people that participate in the variety of gambling activities throughout the Province.

Gambling can become an addiction to people much the same as smoking or the use of drugs and alcohol.

The Province of BC currently has 17 gambling establishments spread throughout BC.

Each of these Casino's has people trained in the identification and assistance of people that might be subject to problems associated with gambling.  A similar program has now been adopted by other provinces including Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Problem Gamblers statistically effect some 4.6% of BC Adults.  A further 8.7 % of the adults in BC are considered at risk Gamblers.

Because Gambling is a personal choice, similar to smoking and other addictions, people must ask for and seek assistance to help them with their problems associated with this problem.  They cannot be forced to submit to assistance. 

The membership of the Nechako Rotary Club made a couple of very strong recommendations to both Nicole and Walt regarding the size and quantities of future prizes controlled by the BC Lottery Corporation. 

Rotarian Dolly Hilton thanked both Walt and Nicole for their presentation with another donation to our Rotary Polio Plus Program.