Chances Salmon Arm Joins the Healthy Gaming Relationship Conversation

A healthy relationship with gaming and the benefits coming from that guarantees its longevity. British Columbia Lottery Corporation wants to protect its players from developing unhealthy gambling habits, a goal achievable via its special GameSense program. Chances Salmon Arm is the latest land-based gaming location to welcome the special zone dedicated to problem gambling conversation with two GameSense Advisors.

Gambling addiction is a threat many people refuse to admit when they participate in their regular gaming activities. It could be online or in-person, opening a vast range of possibilities a player could choose from. This week saw the official announcement confirming that Chances Salmon Arm is the latest British Columbian gaming venue to welcome a vibrant area with not one, but two GameSense Advisors available for a frank conversation on what gambling is.

GameSense Program Launches

Often times, players need to put things into perspective when it comes to gambling and see matters from a different point of view. Many of them fail to grasp the true magnitude of their gambling relationship. Some of them need to compare the time they spend at a casino venue with another player, in order to realize they might have an issue.

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British Columbia Lottery Corporation aims to create a safe space without judgment, where players could talk about their feelings regarding gaming. This would make it easier for them to evaluate the state of their relationship, possibly even stop it from becoming a toxic one. Players hailing from Salmon Arm and neighboring communities are projected to seek advice from the two individuals that would be present on the premises of the casino venue.

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Those are Melodie Greco and Jamie Ferguson. The two ladies are eager to meet the first casino patrons seeking support in regards to their gaming habits. Contacting a problem gambling program might seem threatening for many individuals, struggling with addictive behavior. On the other hand, visiting the casino and talking to a friendly person might be just what the doctor ordered.

55,000 Interactions Since 2009

Those players in need of further help would be referred to the programs available on a provincial level, eyeing positive results down the road. Mrs. Greco expressed her excitement about this project, as the positive impact she envisions the community is substantial. The GameSense corner available at Chances Salmon Arm offers a welcoming atmosphere with various trinkets, merchandise, and interactive ways in which players could get a better sense of their habits.

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Mid-August Chances Signal Point became one of the 45 gaming centers featuring GameSense areas on a provincial level. The gaming venue located in Williams Lake welcomed Troy Nicolson, the GameSense Advisor ready to talk about anything gaming-related with local players. Ever since 2009, the program has managed to conduct upwards of 55,000 interactions with people seeking help.

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Following the first phase of this program, directly affecting casino venues overseen by BCLC, this year saw the launch of the second phase covering Community Gaming Centers. This year saw GameSense launch at Chances Maple Ridge, Chances Campbell River, and Chances Fort St. John.