Efforts are underway to make people with gambling addictions aware of help available to them.
A number of events are planned during Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which runs until Friday in Vernon.
“We want to give people a chance to talk about gambling and learn the facts and myths about it,” said Marsha Walden, vice-president of social responsibility for the B.C. Lottery Corporation.
“The more people know, the more they can make choices and keep it fun.”
As part of providing information, the Myth Busting Kiosk will be at the Village Green Centre from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be an open house at the First Nations Employment Centre, 2902 29th Ave., Monday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Take the Marble Bag Challenge and spin the Wheel of Missed Fortune at the Myth Busting Kiosk.
The kiosk will also be at Okanagan College Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Vernon library Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Responsible gambling awareness and prevention will be the focus of a workshop at the Best Western Vernon Lodge Wednesday (the registration deadline was Jan. 11).
On Thursday, a prevention specialist for the B.C. Responsible and Problem Gambling Program will speak to the Kalamalka Rotary Club.
About five per cent of the population is believed to have challenges with gambling.
“We want to make sure we support them through the programs the province provides and that more people don’t find themselves in this situation,” said Walden.
Partners in Responsible Gambling Awareness Week are the City of Vernon, the Social Planning Council and the North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society.
“Vernon was a test market last year to see how the community reacted and we had an overwhelming response,” said Walden.
For more information about local events, go to www.responsiblegamblingweek.ca
