University Uses Gambling as Enticement to Problem Gambling Quiz
The University of New Brunswick has set up an area of its library to inform students about the dangers of problem gambling. The school's administration, in conjunction with the Responsible Gaming Council and under the sponsorship of the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, designed the Know The Score program.
School officials recognized that data shows an increasing number of college-age individuals are gambling at online casinos. Understanding that education is the best policy for prevention of compulsive gambling, the school allowed the display to be erected.
Responsible Gaming Council members administer a short quiz to let students see if they know the truths about Internet gambling. For instance, one question posed asks if returning the next day to gamble after losing is a good plan to recover money.
Students are happy to participate, as a $1500 scholarship will be awarded to one lucky quiz-taker. Just for investing time (which everyone knows is money), a big jackpot might be won! Talk about your inadvertent messages.
The program addresses myths of gambling, and describes the patterns of behavior that lead to problem gambling. If a student feels he is at risk for compulsive gambling, information on how to get help is available.
One student who wished to remain anonymous said she found the program enlightening. She said, " I don't think I have a problem, because I always gamble within my budget. But I do have a friend who acts just like the problem gamblers described, and I'm going to bring him here. Maybe he'll get the picture."
