Gambling has turned into a preferred hobby for many people as it gives the players a thrill. The majority of people are able to gamble without being obsessed by the tricky hobby. Unfortunately, the adrenaline rush may become addictive to some people. They start to feel unable to walk away from the gambling tables or the slot machines. Such people feel irresistible desire to keep gambling despite the harms gambling might have on their lives.
Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects millions around the globe and can destroy lives. The provision of gambling games in a socially responsible manner has turned into a major concern has turned into a major priority for the countries that regulated their gambling industry. The prevention of minors and vulnerable people is one of the most important aspects of responsible gambling.
Many people blame the countries’ governments for regulating the gambling industry. In fact, the countries that have adopted a liberal approach towards the gambling industry are aware of the true nature of the problem and invest heavily in various gambling addiction treatment programs. Richmond, Canada is on the brink of introducing a new strategy, aiming at minimization of the gambling problems.
Richmond to Improve Its Responsible Gambling Policy
Canada is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, attracting millions of tourists every year. There are a number of medium- and large-scale casinos across the country, as well. An undeniable fact is that the casino industry in Richmond is thriving with every passing day.
To combat gambling-related issues, the B.C. government is to invest C$1.2 million in early intervention, counseling and harm reduction programs. The announcement came two weeks ago and it was explained that the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB) will be tasked with running these programs.
GPEB will be funded after it transfers the running of the GameSense Advisory program to the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), which is expected to happen by the beginning of April this year. B.C.’s Responsible and Problem Gambling Program (RPGP) currently operates a number of fee-free offsite services, including a mobile, early-intervention pilot program called “Gam Info Rep”.
The responsible gaming pilot program is currently operating in Richmond and it provides information about problem-gambling treatment programs and community support organizations. In addition to the pilot, there are two prevention service providers in the Richmond area and three GameSense advisors, that offers free help to patrons, informing then about when it is the most appropriate time to gamble, to stop or how much to spend.
Some time ago, the leader of the newly-elected B.C. government Attorney General David Eby announced that the government is to focus on combating gambling addictions as such problems have been turned a blind eye for quite a long time.
