In response to the gaming industry’s appeal for ways to provide a responsible gambling environment, CCPG has developed a training program WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH – Understanding Problem Gambling.
July 10, 2003 (Press Release) --
In response to the gaming industry’s appeal for ways to provide a responsible gambling environment, the California Council on Problem Gambling, Inc. developed a new training program titled, WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH – Understanding Problem Gambling. The curriculum includes an overview of the characteristics of the problem gambler and the behavioral indicators of the existence of a problem.
“Employees who interact with gambling patrons need to know how to respond if a customer discloses a problem or requests assistance for a gambling problem,” says Bebe Smith, Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling. “Our curriculum teaches how to offer assistance in a context that is not offensive, when a patron reveals a gambling problem, or makes a statement that indirectly indicates a problem.”
“The gaming industry is concerned about Problem Gambling and though we believe they have a duty of care, we are not suggesting that employees should be given the task of diagnosing or identifying problem gamblers. WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH will empower employees with knowledge so they will be able to assist anyone who asks. We believe this employee training workshop is a critical element of an effective responsible gambling program.”
The California Council’s WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH - Understanding Problem Gambling training program is available in two methods. The 60-minute curriculum, which includes a professionally edited short video series, and trainer’s presentation can be instructed on-site by The Council’s professional trainer. The Council will also license use of the curriculum, following the completion of a four-hour instructor certification workshop.
An additional feature of the training curriculum is information on assisting co-workers with a gambling problem. According to some experts, casino workers have a two-to three-and-a-half times greater risk of becoming compulsive gamblers. If they have the potential for this problem, they will naturally gravitate to where the action is. Employees with gambling problems can cost any business a lot of money from loss of productivity, absenteeism, and even embezzlement or theft.
Researchers estimate that the number of problem/pathological gamblers to be between 3 to 5% of the population. That means that up to 1.75 million people in California may suffer from the consequences of gambling problems.
The California Council on Problem Gambling is the oldest non-profit organization in the state, dedicated to increasing awareness of problem gambling, promoting research and education and advocating for quality treatment. The Council offers Casinos and gambling venues signage and informative brochures for their patrons and employees.
“Employees who interact with gambling patrons need to know how to respond if a customer discloses a problem or requests assistance for a gambling problem,” says Bebe Smith, Executive Director of the California Council on Problem Gambling. “Our curriculum teaches how to offer assistance in a context that is not offensive, when a patron reveals a gambling problem, or makes a statement that indirectly indicates a problem.”
“The gaming industry is concerned about Problem Gambling and though we believe they have a duty of care, we are not suggesting that employees should be given the task of diagnosing or identifying problem gamblers. WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH will empower employees with knowledge so they will be able to assist anyone who asks. We believe this employee training workshop is a critical element of an effective responsible gambling program.”
The California Council’s WHEN THE STAKES ARE TOO HIGH - Understanding Problem Gambling training program is available in two methods. The 60-minute curriculum, which includes a professionally edited short video series, and trainer’s presentation can be instructed on-site by The Council’s professional trainer. The Council will also license use of the curriculum, following the completion of a four-hour instructor certification workshop.
An additional feature of the training curriculum is information on assisting co-workers with a gambling problem. According to some experts, casino workers have a two-to three-and-a-half times greater risk of becoming compulsive gamblers. If they have the potential for this problem, they will naturally gravitate to where the action is. Employees with gambling problems can cost any business a lot of money from loss of productivity, absenteeism, and even embezzlement or theft.
Researchers estimate that the number of problem/pathological gamblers to be between 3 to 5% of the population. That means that up to 1.75 million people in California may suffer from the consequences of gambling problems.
The California Council on Problem Gambling is the oldest non-profit organization in the state, dedicated to increasing awareness of problem gambling, promoting research and education and advocating for quality treatment. The Council offers Casinos and gambling venues signage and informative brochures for their patrons and employees.
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