Problem Gamblers Focus of Social Marketing Campaign

A new provincial social marketing campaign tells more than 15,000 Nova Scotians who feel isolated because of their gambling that they are not alone and explains how they can get help.

Barry Barnet, Minister of Health Promotion and Protection, launched the provincewide marketing campaign today, Jan. 15.

"When it comes to problem gambling, it is easy to feel alone and isolate yourself from your friends and family," said Mr. Barnet. "I want Nova Scotians to know that if they have a problem with gambling there is help available to them and their families."

The campaign includes print, online and television ads. The television ads show a man, a woman, and a child writing letters about how problem gambling has affected their lives. The concepts were focus tested with friends and families of problem gamblers, as well as Nova Scotians who were identified as having problems with gambling. Each ad concludes by displaying the province's Problem Gambling Help Line, 1-888-347-8888.

"The campaign depicts real-life examples of how problem gambling can negatively impact Nova Scotians," said Mr. Barnet. "However, there is help available and we want to encourage anyone who has a problem, big or small, to get help and call the Problem Gambling Help Line."

The helpline is a confidential and free resource that is staffed 24 hours, seven days a week by professionals who get callers the help they need.

The problem gambling social marketing campaign is part of the province's gaming strategy. In 2005, the province launched A Better Balance: Nova Scotia's First Gaming Strategy. Treatment and prevention are key elements of that strategy.

Trampoline Creative Inc. developed the campaign, based on research involving friends and family of problem gamblers and Nova Scotians who were identified as having problems with gambling.

People who think they, a friend or a family member needs help with gambling are encouraged to call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-347-8888 or go to the website at www.youarenotalone.ca .