General
- Responsible Gaming Policy and Strategy. Outlines Manitoba Lotteries' commitment to social responsibility and offering gaming in a responsible manner.
- Responsible Gaming Staff. There are two full-time positions focused on the development and implementation of Manitoba Lotteries' responsible gaming strategy, programs and initiatives.
- Responsible Gaming Committees. Internal and external responsible gaming committees gather input into current and future responsible gaming plans and initiatives.
- Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling. As a founding member, Manitoba Lotteries participates in cross-Canada information-sharing and research projects in responsible gambling.
Promoting Responsible Use of Gaming Products
Manitoba Lotteries is committed to providing exceptional player information – for our customers to get the most enjoyment out of their gaming experience, we provide extensive information about the key principles of gaming including randomness, house edge, how slots work, tips on responsible play and more.
Responsible Gaming Information Centres (RGIC)
This leading edge program was the first in North America and is now copied across Canada. Onsite at McPhillips Station and Club Regent Casinos, the RGICs provides player education and information about the key principles of gambling, how slots work, costs of a typical gambling session, and tips on responsible play. Referral and support services for players are also available. For questions about gambling or to learn about the services available for problem gamblers and their families, please stop by or call 985-1240 (McPhillips Station Casino) 985-0419 (Club Regent Casino), or e-mail rgic@mlc.mb.ca for more information.
“Keep It a Game” multimedia advertising campaign
Check out our two new responsible gaming ads that ran on Manitoba TV, radio and in newspapers during April and May 2008.
One ad focuses on the importance of player information – if you play casino games, VLTs or lottery games, useful information is available to you at all those gaming venues. Check it out and learn about important concepts like randomness, house edge and odds. It’ll help you ‘Keep It a Game’.
The second ad focuses on help for problem gambling – if you or anyone you know is having difficulties with their gambling, help is available through the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-463-1554. The Problem Gambling Helpline is operated by the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, and is one of the many problem and responsible gambling programs funded by Manitoba Lotteries.
“It’s Your Lucky Day” Middle School Gambling Awareness Program
This prevention program provides middle school students with relevant education about gambling’s key principles, including: randomness, chance, and myths. Manitoba Lotteries funded the development, pilot testing and evaluation of “It’s Your Lucky Day” and its companion website (www.luckyday.ca). The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba offers this program in middle schools across Manitoba in English and French.
“Know the Score” Post Secondary Gambling Awareness Program
Know the Score is an interactive problem gambling program that engages university and college students in a fun and informative way. Know the Score dispels some common myths regarding randomness, shares signs of problem gambling, tells students where they can get help with gambling-related problems in their local community and suggests ways to limit risks. For more information log on to www.knowthescore.ca.
Player Information Booklets (VLT, Lottery Ticket and Casino Games)
These booklets cover the key principles of gambling (randomness, house edge), the cost of this entertainment, ideas for responsible play, and information about problem gambling resources.
Click to view the Lottery products and VLT brochure.
Reducing the Potential for Harm from Use of Gaming Products
Staff training: In partnership with the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, extensive Responsible Gaming Training is provided to all business units. Interaction with customers may involve directing them to the player information brochures, providing information on the services available at the Responsible Gaming Information Centre, the Gambling Helpline, the Voluntary Exclusion Program, or discussions with customers who show “red flag” behaviours of potential problems.
VLT Responsible Gaming Features. A first-rate suite of responsible gaming features have been installed on machines within Manitoba Lotteries' VLT network to help players better manage their VLT play experiences. The features help players control the amount of time and money spent at play, educate players about the key principles of gambling, and encourage players to approach gambling as entertainment. These features include permanent on-screen clocks, player choice of time limits, coin-in shown as cash not credits, bill acceptor limits, on-screen responsible gaming information displays, and Gambling Helpline messages.
Promoting the Availability of Problem Gambling Services
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba: In 2007/2008, Manitoba Lotteries provided $2.6 million to AFM to support its comprehensive range of problem gambling prevention, education, research and treatment services across Manitoba including:
- The 24 hour Problem Gambling Helpline
- Individual and group counseling in various locations around Manitoba
- A 14 day residential treatment program in Brandon
- Specialized educational services for youth, seniors, Asian and aboriginal communities
- Evaluation and research programs
Community Financial Counseling Services (CFCS) Pilot Project. Manitoba Lotteries is funding a two-year pilot project aimed at providing quicker access to financial counseling services for problem gamblers and their families. CFCS is working in cooperation with the AFM on this project.
Increase Knowledge about Problem and Responsible Gaming
Funding for Research and Program Development. Increased funding for Manitoba-based research into problem gambling and responsible gaming is an important goal. Manitoba Lotteries will commit $10 million to the fund over five years, beginning in 2005/2006.
