Community Development:
Problem Gambling Committees in Saskatchewan

Seven problem gambling committees provide direct access to planning public education and awareness strategies in Saskatchewan.

The committees exist to provide for a forum to share information related to problem gambling. Each committee has also been active in local communities developing symposiums, workshops and public events. The purpose of the events is raising awareness around the impact of problem gambling. Educated children, seniors and the public at large are a direct benefit of the work of the volunteers who sit on each committee.

The committee structure allows for a wide range of perspective. However, the committees are united in their understanding of the need to inform the public of the consequences of their choice to gamble

The committees participate in Saskatchewan Addictions Awareness Week. The committees have hosted local Problem Gambling Awareness weeks at various times. The Government of Saskatchewan created the Community Initiatives Fund to distribute a portion of casino profits to benefit Saskatchewan people and communities. The fund makes available problem gambling community grants to help communities develop programs to reduce the harm associated with problem gambling. The committees have been very active in applying for funding and securing funding for very innovative projects.

The committees do not endorse or move to prohibit gambling. Rather, their task is to assist the public in making informed choices.

The current committees . . .

NorthWest: based in Lloydminster and the Battlefords . . . meets generally every second month.

Prince Albert: The longest standing committee, established in 1994. The Prince Albert Committee has initiated a host of events and produced valuable information.

North East: The North East Committee is on long term hiatus.

Saskatoon: The Saskatoon Committee has been very proactive. Symposiums have been planned with excellent response. Brochures and posters have been developed and innovation has been a key to this committee's effectiveness. This committee meets monthly with a hiatus during the summer months.

Regina: The Regina committee has responded to the challenge of gambling expansion in the area in a rational and very proactive manner. Education events have included symposiums and good use of the media in all forms. Outreach to schools is a high priority for this committee. This committee meets monthly with a hiatus during the summer months.

Moose Jaw: The Moose Jaw committee has also made good use of media contacts and maintains a high presence in area schools.

Yorkton: The Yorkton committee maintains a grass roots connection to social service providers and the public at large. Key to success is the constant reminder that all community action is local, with direct links maintained with all corners of Yorkton and the surrounding community.

New Area The Problem Gambling Community Program of the Canadian Mental Health Association is funded by Saskatchewan health to deliver the public education and community development components of the province's problem gambling program. Part of the work of the program is establishing committees where none currently exist. Development work is proceeding in Carlyle, Moosomin, Kindersley and Assiniboia.

How can you get involved?
Contact the Problem Gambling Community Program
at 1-800-461-5483

e-mail: comdvp@cmhask.com

The staff of the program can let you know when the committee nearest you is next meeting.