Centre provides new option for problem gamblers

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The computerized bells and whistles of the slot machines, the rat-tat-tat sound of playing cards being shuffled, the never-ending thump of dozens of bingo daubers hitting the table at relatively the same time over and over again, the thunder of hooves and paws at the horse or dog track, and the metallic rattle of change and loot falling- these are the sounds that surround gaming establishments around the world. Yet, far too often, the sounds of pain and suffering that accompany the lives of those who play but cannot walk away go almost unheard and nearly unnoticed.

That, however, is not the case in Prince Albert, where a new centre has opened to help those who find themselves gambling with the ultimate stakes-their lives.

Alice Marchand is the director of the Prince Albert Grand Council's (PAGC) problem gambling program, offered through the new PAGC Problem Gambling Counselling Centre on the Opawakoscikan reserve in Prince Albert. The centre's goal is to assist individuals who are experiencing problems related to gambling.

Providing help to those people, however, is a learning experience in itself, and has many hurdles, both for the person seeking help and the one administering it.

"Problem gambling is often lumped in with substance abuse, and the methods and research used often doesn't apply," Marchand said. "We do not want to apply methods and research that has been gathered in larger centres and with substance abuse. There is a great deal of difference between substance abuse and gambling abuse. For instance, a person can only consume a certain amount of alcohol and/or drugs before the body will shut down, whereas someone can sit at a machine or table for 15 to 20 hours on end, without moving once."

Marchand believes that society's point of view regarding gambling and gaming has rapidly changed over the past decade.

"In 1992, prior to the opening of the (Northern Lights) casino, video lottery terminals (VLTs) were placed in drinking establishments. There was a time when the public was intimidated by thoughts of darkened poker rooms and smoky 'hole-in-the-wall' card tables," she said.

"When VLTs were placed in the bars, the intimidation factor was removed and the gaming industry was really brought into the public's attention. Now, the casino sits as one of the most visible forms of gaming in the city.

"A five-year agreement was signed between the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) and the provincial government, and one of the main issues was the provision of services to those experiencing problems with gambling," said Marchand, who has seen the positive impact those programs have had in the community.

"There is a high rate of gambling-related suicide attempts in Canada, but in Prince Albert, the number has always been very low. Since 1998, the number has gone even farther below where it was."

However, the number of people who identify themselves as problem gamblers has risen, and Marchand sees technology as a major catalyst.

"In the past, gambling required a high knowledge of strategy and skill. With the Internet and the advent of on-line casino 'pop-ups' one now needs to know only to point and click. Casino games have been computerized, and they have become more appealing and less intimidating to the novice player."

Marchand said that at least 65 per cent of players are using the computer as opposed to sitting at a card table. And they are getting younger.

With no restrictions concerning the pop-up casino demos that flood a screen when an Internet site is accessed, Marchand said that a young person can access any casino on-line and begin playing.

However, despite the problems that can arise, Marchand strongly believes that organizations such as the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), which handles the day-to-day operations of First Nations casinos in Saskatchewan, have had a positive affect on the community.

"On a sociological level, SIGA provides jobs to hundreds of peple, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal alike. They also provide the community with donations and sponsorships. Some people might see this as 'riding on the backs of those who have problems' but one must remember how many street-level people are employed and proud to be employed by SIGA, earning a paycheque as opposed to welfare or crime," Marchand said. "I'm proud that SIGA serves as a role model for the community."

The new Problem Gambling Counselling Centre offers family member sof problem gamblers the opportunity to assist in the healing process, for both their loved one, and for themselves.

"A person who is addicted may not play to win. Many times, they often play to lose. Gamblers are unique in that, where substance abuse breaks down and deteriorates the mind, gaming abuse causes the mind to become sharpened, in order to keep up with the changing technology. This leads to the individual learning to cover up and lie to their family. This is on top of the scenarios where the family goes without food or what have you. The family becomes an alibi, and that is very harmful."

Marchand said she finds it very frustrating and saddening that the act of gambling is sometimes passed down from elder members of the family. As she puts it, "Kohkums are teaching their grandkids bingo instead of bannock."

She feels that more positive role models are required to help those in need, and that those role models remember the importance of sharing and respect. In this way, Marchand hopes that the centre will 'meet the gamer where the gamer is' in terms of their lifestyle, physical and mental status, and personal situation.

For more information on the centre, contact Alice at 765-5305, by fax at 763-5223 or by e-mail at alimar@sk.sympatico.ca