Western Canada Lottery Corporation wraps up Problem Gambling Awareness Month
WCLC promoted its Healthy Play program and opened responsible gambling training to all staff during March.
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The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) is looking back on its activities during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which ran through March.
WCLC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Winnipeg. It reviewed the month's work in a media release issued on March 31.
The corporation said its work over the month focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about harm from gambling.
WCLC president and CEO Chris Santschi described gambling-related harm as "a health issue that requires understanding, compassion, and action." In a media release, he said the organization was proud of what it did during the month and remains committed to supporting players and communities all year.
Training and outreach
WCLC ran social media campaigns promoting Healthy Play, the supports available to people who need them and the importance of early prevention.
It also made responsible gambling training available to all of its staff so employees are better prepared to support players. The corporation said that training will stay available over the next few months, beyond the end of the awareness campaign.
Santschi said the steps taken in March were one part of a commitment that continues through the rest of the year.
Help lines
Confidential support is available to anyone worried about their own gambling or that of a family member or friend. Help line numbers for Western and Northern Canada include:
Alberta: 1-866-332-2322. Manitoba: 1-800-463-1554. Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789. Yukon: 1-867-668-6429. Nunavut: 1-800-265-3333. Northwest Territories: 1-800-661-0844.