UCCB Participates In Gaming Awareness Pilot Program
N.S. GAMING CORP.--UCCB Participates In Gaming Awareness Pilot Program
University College of Cape Breton (UCCB) is looking forward to test piloting an interactive gaming awareness program that has had impressive results in Ontario, says the president of the students' union.
Know the Score is a peer-led program being piloted this fall at UCCB and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Successfully introduced in Ontario by the Responsible Gambling Council, the program was brought to Nova Scotia by the council, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation.
Officials from the province, UCCB and the Responsible Gambling Council joined dozens of students on the university campus today, Oct. 13 to demonstrate the program as part of events marking Responsible Gaming Awareness Week, Oct. 10 to 16.
"Recent studies show that adults between the ages of 19 and 24 are at a comparatively higher risk of developing gambling-related problems," said Marie Mullally, president and CEO of the gaming corporation. Ms. Mullally said data in an Office of Health Promotion study on gambling prevalence in Nova Scotia suggests there is a need for greater emphasis on awareness and education.
"Know the Score has had impressive results in reaching and informing 19- to 24-year-olds in Ontario," said Jamie Crane, president, UCCB Students' Union. "We are looking forward to being part of the team that is bringing this program to the students of UCCB."
"Know the Score builds awareness around the risks if gambling gets out of control," explained Laurie Bell, director of prevention programs for the Responsible Gambling Council. Ms. Bell and council officials will be overseeing the pilot at UCCB. "We are here to give people the information they need to make good decisions," she added.
Using a booth located on campus, the program encourages students to answer five questions and to discuss their answers. When they have the correct answers, students can enter their questionnaire as a ballot for a draw for a $1,500 scholarship award, in addition to gift certificates for pizza and/or text books.
To encourage more student participation and discussion, Know the Score trains university students to staff the booth. With the support of Responsible Gambling Council professionals, the students work to provide information and educational materials to their peers.
Following evaluations of results in Sydney and Halifax, Know the Score may be rolled out to other post-secondary institutions in 2005.
Responsible Gaming Awareness Week is led by the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation, in conjunction with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Casino Nova Scotia.