SIGA casinos host spring responsible gambling awareness week
Information tables went up at all seven SIGA casinos after more than 3,700 people used responsible gambling tools during the November campaign.
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The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has launched its spring Responsible Gambling Awareness Week at all seven of its casinos in the province. The campaign runs from May 4 to 15.
The participating casinos are Dakota Dunes, Northern Lights, Gold Eagle, Living Sky, Painted Hand, Bear Claw and Gold Horse. Information tables at each one offer tools to help players spot and reduce risky gambling, details on where to get help, brochures on common gambling myths and explanations of how casino games rely on chance.
SIGA says the previous awareness week, held in November, drew strong participation. More than 3,700 people used responsible gambling tools during that campaign, and more than 1,000 patrons filled out surveys.
Self-exclusion
SIGA does not release numbers on voluntary self-exclusion, citing confidentiality, but says the program is widely used. Lillian Denton, SIGA's director of corporate social responsibility, said staff are trained to help patrons sign up in person or remotely, with terms ranging from six months to five years.
"Self-exclusion is actively promoted at every casino and through every awareness campaign," Denton said.
Denton described the campaign as a genuine, ongoing conversation with players rather than a brochure handout. It runs twice a year, in May and November, and is also used to collect player feedback on gambling behaviour and the supports available.
Where to find help
Supports promoted during the week include the 24-hour Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Help Line, the Prince Albert Grand Council Holistic Wellness Centre, the File Hills Qu'Appelle White Raven Healing Centre, the Saskatoon Tribal Council's Responsible Gambling Outreach Treatment Program and the Canadian Mental Health Association's Gambling Awareness Program. Financial counselling for gambling-related debt is also available.
Denton said SIGA contributes $2.25 million a year to the First Nation Addiction Rehabilitation Foundation to fund prevention and treatment programs for First Nations people.