More Help for Gambling Problems

Starlee Speers, Astral Media Radio News

If the expansion and relocation proposal for Vernon's casino goes ahead , it will include more services to help people with gambling problems. Michelle Craig-Battje, manager for the BC Lotto Corp. Responsible Gambling program says, it's part of the governments 3 year strategy to reduce the harmful effects of gambling. "The new Vernon casino will have an expanded centre that will have people positioned in the centres to reach out to customers, to talk to customers." Craig-Battje says, there will also be electronic kiosks for people who don't feel confortable talking to others. If the Vernon casino expands, it will have double the number of slot machines and will have more table games as well. Craig-Battje says, research has shown gambling addictions don't increase with expanded gaming opportunities.