Report Suggests Changes to Ontario's Problem Gambling Strategy
A report recently issued by a former chairman of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation offers a critical assessment of the strategy in place to encourage safe gambling practices throughout that Canadian province. Within the review are 72 recommendations to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care on how to further improve the development and implementation of Ontario's problem gambling strategy.
Chief among the recommendations are transfer of program oversight from the Ministry to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGC), the formal inclusion of responsible gaming initiatives within the overall strategy, increasing integration among all program components and fostering a culture of responsibility among all gaming stakeholders. Promoting a culture of responsibility, according to the report, would cause the government, manufacturers, gamblers, the public and those engaged with each component of the strategy to share the responsibility in contributing to the outcomes of programs and strategies implemented.
The report by Stanley Sadinsky divulges that of the $36 million earmarked for the province's problem gambling strategy in 2003-2004, only $22 million was spent on problem gambling, while the remainder was allocated for substance abuse programs that also fall under the MinistryÕs jurisdiction. The report said transferring oversight of the strategy to AGC, an independent organization that regulates much of the other gambling activity in the province, will ensure the program receives the full 2 percent of gross slot machine revenues allocated to fund the strategy and avoid any conflicting interests.
The current problem gambling strategy is threefold, with emphasis on treatment, prevention/awareness and research. The report contends that too much emphasis has been placed on the treatment component and recommends a shift to prioritize prevention and awareness. The task of educating the public about responsible gaming practices and the negative effects of problem gambling through a major media social-marketing campaign was deemed paramount.
Once the full 2 percent funding formula is enacted, the report indicates the strategy's core components can be greatly enhanced. On the treatment front, the report recommends creating a more integrated, community-based approach and conducting directed research to determine how to develop and deliver more targeted treatments to Ontario's subpopulations, among other recommendations. Subpopulations also should be considered in developing targeted educational messaging and outreach tactics.
The report recommends a more strategic approach to research efforts, focused on developing research that is more relevant to policy development and to the implementation of practices and programs in the other areas of the overall strategy. The report also suggests adding a fourth major component to the strategy that would focus on harm minimization and consumer protection.
Approximately 83 percent of adults take part in some form of legalized gambling in Ontario, and numerous programs and treatment centers currently are in operation in the province. The Ministry also sponsors a 24-hour, toll-free help line that offers referrals to treatment centers, credit and debt counseling, and other free, anonymous assistance.
According to David Jansen, a spokesperson for the Ministry, some suggestions within the report were already being implemented at the time of its publication, such as the staffing of treatment counselors at gaming venues. To heighten public awareness of responsible gaming issues, Jansen indicated a $4 million social marketing and media campaign and expansion of existing awareness initiatives are planned to educate and inform the youth of Ontario about gambling, problem gambling and responsible gaming.
Looking forward, Jensen anticipates a new, revised strategy will be available in 2006. "Before implementing any changes, the new strategy will be informed not only by this review, but also by expert panels, service providers, researchers and consumers," Jensen said.
To view a full version of the report, visit http://www.health.gov.on.ca.
