Richmond could be one of the communities to benefit after more than a million dollars was created by the provincial government to tackle gambling addiction.
The B.C. government announced two weeks ago that $1.2 million in funding would be “immediately” dedicated to new, front-line, out-of-casino services – such as early intervention, counselling and harm reduction - run by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB).
However, that cash won’t be available to the GPEB until April 1, when it transfers the running of the GameSense Advisory program to the BCLC.
GPEB will keep the $1.2 million in funding that was previously dedicated to GameSense Advisors and will use it to address existing service gaps and expand the aforementioned services, some of which are currently offered at a lower level in Richmond.
“Addiction is a complex health condition that comes in many forms and affects people from all walks of life,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
“Like other addictions, a person struggling with a gambling addiction needs to know there is hope and help.
“Expanding prevention and awareness programs for gamblers, while also enhancing counselling and clinical options, is an important step in allowing people to get access to the help they need.”
According to the Attorney General’s ministry, GPEB, while waiting for the funding to kick in, is currently “finalizing its program expansion strategy for communities throughout B.C.”
“Once GPEB transfers the GameSense Advisor program to BCLC on Apr. 1, 2018, expansion will begin.”
B.C.’s Responsible and Problem Gambling Program (RPGP) has a number of offsite services that are available free of charge to citizens of Richmond.
The RPGP is currently running a mobile, early-intervention pilot program supporting at-risk gamblers called the “Gam Info Rep.”
The pilot is a resource that provides information, support, and referrals to problem-gambling counselling services and treatment groups, as well as community support organizations (both in-person and online) such as bankruptcy trustees, legal services, housing services, community mental health services, debt management services, Gamblers Anonymous meetings and peer support organizations.
The pilot is currently running in Richmond and there are currently two clinical counsellors providing services in the city to those who may be experiencing negative consequences related to gambling.
According to the ministry, the RPGP also has two prevention service providers in the Richmond area, who provide early intervention and education support and there are currently three GameSense advisors on the River Rock Casino floors to “support patrons who may be at risk of problem gambling.”
In an earlier news release, Attorney General David Eby said that his government “is committed to improving mental-health services for everyone.
“We must address the long-neglected and underfunded addiction risks associated with gambling.
“These changes ensure prevention and support services will be more readily available for those who need them most - not just in casinos, but anywhere in the province."
Under a new model, BCLC will assume full responsibility for and cost of the GameSense Advisor program, and will eventually hire additional advisors for all 18 community gaming centres (CGC) in the province.
Over the next 30 months, every casino and community gaming centre in B.C. will be staffed by these advisors, funded by BCLC.
If you have issues with gambling, or know someone who does, you can call the 24-hour Problem Gambling Help Line toll free at 1-888-795-6111. You can also go online to BCresponsibleGambling.ca.
