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Player InformationA Guide to Gambling Responsibly

Glad You Asked…Where does the revenue from gaming go?

Revenue from VLTs, ticket lotteries and slot machines goes into the Alberta Lottery Fund. This revenue totals more than $1 billion each year and is used to support thousands of volunteer, public and community-based initiatives.

For more information, visit albertalotteryfund.ca.

What do you do if a slot machine or VLT appears to be operating incorrectly, or if you believe there has been an error in the calculation of credits?

1. Immediately stop play on the slot machine or VLT.2. Report the problem or error to a staff member.3. If the dispute has not been resolved, call the AGLC’s

Gaming Irregularities line at 1-800-742-7818.

Any suspected illegal or unethical gaming irregularities should be reported to the AGLC through the Gaming Irregularities line. For more information, visit aglc.ca.

What is the role of the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission?

The AGLC ensures that gaming activities in Alberta are conducted honestly, openly and with the highest level of integrity. The AGLC licences and regulates all charitable gaming, provincial gaming, registers gaming workers, inspects licensed gaming establishments, manages financial audits and investigates criminal activity. It also supplies and manages all electronic gaming equipment and collects licensing and registration fees.

Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)

RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 15 Alberta casinos and one Racing Entertainment Centre (Edmonton Northlands). The centres are staffed by representatives who provide support and referrals to customers that may have a gambling problem. RGIC representatives assist and educate patrons and casino staff about responsible gambling and help staff identify and assist problem gamblers.

RGIC representatives can be contacted by phone or email. See the posted contact information at the RGICs or visit the Responsible Gambling section of the AGLC website at aglc.ca.

The RGICs have materials that provide gamblers with information about the cost of play, house advantage and the Self-Exclusion Program. Check out the Player Awareness Terminal, with its interactive screens offering a gambling behaviour self-test, descriptions of popular gambling myths and tips on how to develop safe and responsible personal gambling guidelines. Or crunch some numbers with the Cost of Play Calculator.

AGLC© 2010 ISBN 978-0-7785-9133-7

setalimitalberta.ca

RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 18 Alberta casinos. The centres are staffed by representatives who provide support and referrals to customers that may have a gambling problem. RGIC representatives assist and educate patrons and casino staff about responsible gambling and help staff identify and assist problem gamblers.


AGLC © 2012

Important Information for Players

Electronic games, like slot machines and video lottery terminals, are forms of gambling entertainment. As with all forms of entertainment, there is a cost to play these games. Although players may win occasionally, over time and more often, the house will win.

Finding Help

Are you concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem? Visit an AGLC Responsible Gambling Information Centre located on the gaming floor of most Alberta casinos, call the 24-hour, toll-free Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322, or visit the website at albertahealthservices.ca.

Gambling Myths

Do you think you can do things that will improve your odds of winning? The answer is NO! It is impossible to predict when a winning hand or combination will happen on a VLT or slot machine. Each symbol that appears is chosen randomly.

You CANNOT improve the odds by:

1. Pressing the buttons or touching the screen in a certain way.

Fact Is: The outcome is determined the instant the play button is pressed.

2. Playing the machine that has or has not had a recent big payout.

Fact Is: VLTs and slot machines are random games of chance. Knowledge of previous wins or losses will not improve your chances of winning.

3. Playing at certain times of the day, night, week or month.

Fact Is: Wins or losses are not related to when the machines are played.

4. Extending your playing time.

Fact Is: The longer you play the more money you will spend over time.

Wagering and Payouts

A common or typical payout percentage for slot machines in Alberta casinos is 92.4 per cent. This means that 92.4 per cent of the money that is wagered is paid back to slot machine players through winning hits; determined over millions of spins. The remaining 7.6 per cent (the house advantage) is kept by the provincial government, the charities and the casino facility operator. Payout percentage is affected by the type of game (poker vs. slots, vs. blackjack, vs. VLTs) and the amount wagered. However, most games range between 90 and 95 per cent average payout.

Gambling, when done responsibly is entertaining. Remind yourself of the Eight Hot Tips and remember that:

Random Number Generator

Every time the “Play” button is pressed on a VLT or slot machine, the outcome is determined by a computer chip called a Random Number Generator, located inside each machine. A new independent random outcome occurs each time the play button is pressed and there are no patterns or clues to indicate when a win will happen.

You can find out more about randomness at the RGIC located in most Alberta casinos.

Playing Within Your Limits Eight HOT Tips

Most people who gamble do not experience problems. However, some people do. Here are some suggestions that can help players manage their gambling:

1. Understand that playing electronic games involves spending money over time, just like any other form of entertainment.

2. Before you start playing, determine the amount of time and money that you can spend on this activity.

3. Do not chase your losses. Accept them as a cost of entertainment.

4. Do not use money intended for everyday expenses or borrow money to gamble. Only spend what you can afford to lose.

5. Take frequent breaks away from the machines or tables.

6. Know the warning signs of problem gambling and seek help if necessary. (See the Public Education section of the AGLC website – aglc.ca – for more information).

7. Balance gambling with your other leisure and entertainment choices.

8. Always! Set a limit. Stay within it.

The House Always Wins.

Some Win Big But More Lose.

Only Play with Money You Can Afford to Lose.

The House AdvantageThe Odds Favour the House

AGLC© 2010 ISBN 978-0-7785-9134-4

setalimitalberta.ca

Independent Events

To understand gambling it’s important to understand the concept of independent events. Each spin of the wheel or roll of the dice is an independent event; that is, the chances of a specific outcome remain the same and are not influenced by previous events.

For example, if you just rolled snake eyes, you are no more or less likely on the next roll to get snake eyes again. You’re also not any more or less likely to hit a jackpot at a slot machine that hasn’t awarded a jackpot for awhile. Roulette wheels are no more or less likely to land on red if they have just previously landed on black. And those hot streaks? No such thing! They are merely random sequences of events perceived by players to be favourable. The overall outcome of all casino games will favour the casino; that’s the house advantage.

Government Regulation

The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) licences and regulates all charitable gaming, conducts and manages all provincial gaming, registers gaming workers, inspects licensed gaming establishments, manages financial audits and investigates criminal activity. It also supplies and manages all electronic gaming equipment and collects licensing and registration fees.

Within its role as licensor and regulator, the AGLC ensures that all games are fair and determined by chance. Rigging of slot machines or other games does not occur in Alberta casinos. Slot machines are tested and approved by an independent gaming laboratory and must meet stringent technical and operating standards, including specific payout percentages, before they ever reach the casino floor.

Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)

RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 15 Alberta casinos and one Racing Entertainment Centre (Edmonton Northlands). The centres are staffed by representatives who provide support and referrals to customers that may have a gambling problem. RGIC representatives assist and educate patrons and casino staff about responsible gambling and help staff identify and assist problem gamblers.


The RGICs have materials that provide gamblers with information about the cost of play, house advantage and the Self-Exclusion Program. Check out the Player Awareness Terminal, with its interactive screens offering a gambling behaviour self-test, descriptions of popular gambling myths and tips on how to develop safe and responsible personal gambling guidelines. Or crunch some numbers with the Cost of Play Calculator.

RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 18 Alberta casinos. The centres are staffed by representatives who provide support and referrals to customers that may have a gambling problem. RGIC representatives assist and educate patrons and casino staff about responsible gambling and help staff identify and assist problem gamblers.


AGLC © 2012

The House Advantage

Because the odds always favour the house, the more you play a casino game, the more you can expect to lose. The same applies to amounts wagered: the more you wager, the more you will lose.

Casino table games and slot machines are designed with a house advantage. House advantage is calculated according to the game that is being played, and as a percentage of the player’s wager. For example, with a house advantage of five percent, a player will lose, on average, $5 for every $100 wagered.

Cost per hour of play is calculated as follows:

House AdvantageX

Bets per HourX

Average Bet Amount

Following are typical house advantages (also referred to as hold percentages) in popular games in Alberta casinos:

Game Hold Percentage

Baccarat 1.1% (player/banker bets) to 14.4% (tie bets)

Blackjack 0.5% to 6%

Craps 0.4% to 16.7%

Roulette 2.7% to 7.9%

Slot Machine 4% to 12%

Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) 8%

More information about casino games and the house advantage is available through your casino host or the Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs), located on the gaming floors of most Alberta casinos.

Finding Help

Are you concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling problem? Visit an AGLC Responsible Gambling Information Centre located on the gaming floor of most Alberta casinos, call the 24-hour, toll-free Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 or visit the website at albertahealthservices.ca.

Cost of Play Calculator

Cost of Play calculators are accessed through the RGICs, with the help of the representative. The calculator is a useful tool for showing the average cost of playing slots and table games. The calculator shows the average amount per hour, per month and per year that players will spend. This cost includes all wins and losses.

Skill and House Advantage

The house advantage can be somewhat affected in table games by player skill in either playing or betting decisions. However, it’s important to remember that even with a more skilled table game player, the house does have a statistical advantage in every play of every game.

Wearing Your Lucky Shirt? Superstitions and False Beliefs

Rubbing a rabbit’s foot, wearing your favourite lucky hat or shirt, blowing on the dice... all are reassuring rituals, but in no way do they affect the outcome of your gambling. Besides cheating, there’s nothing you can do, wear, say, hum or wish that will influence the outcome of any casino game. Every casino game – whether it’s blackjack, craps or a slot machine – is based on randomness, or chance. For more on randomness visit the RGIC located in most Alberta casinos.

Are you experiencing gambling problems?In the past year, have you:

• Bet more than you could really afford to lose?• Needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get

the same feeling of excitement?• Returned another day to win back money you lost?• Borrowed money or sold anything to get more money

to gamble? • Experienced any financial problems as a result

of gambling?• Felt that you might have a problem with gambling?• Experienced any health problems that you might attribute

to gambling, including stress or anxiety?• Been criticized for betting or told that you may have a

gambling problem?• Felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens

when you gamble?

These questions are based on a typical gambling behaviour analysis quiz, often used by problem gambling treatment agencies to help identify high-risk behaviour. If you answered “yes” to two or more questions, you may be experiencing gambling problems and should consider speaking to an RGIC representative and/or contacting a problem gambling treatment agency.

Responsible and Problem Gambling Awareness WorkshopIn addition to helping self-exclusion program participants reflect on and self-assess their gambling behaviour, this workshop provides information and resources to help program participants make informed decisions about whether or not to re-enter a casino or REC. Participants can also consider enrolling in the self-exclusion program for another term.

Responsible Gambling Information Centres (RGICs)RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 15 Alberta casinos and one REC (Edmonton’s Northlands). The RGICs are staffed by representatives who meet with casino customers and family or friends, to talk about responsible and problem gambling. RGIC representatives also provide referral information and educate casino and REC staff about responsible gambling.

The RGICs are equipped with a variety of public education materials that provide gamblers with information about the cost of play and house advantage. Popular educational tools in the RGICs include the Player Awareness Terminals (PATs), featuring interactive screens that offer a gambling behaviour self-test, examine popular gambling myths, and give tips on how to develop safe and responsible personal gambling guidelines. With the assistance of the RGIC representative, you can also access the online cost-of-play calculator.

PROGRAMself-e clusion


AGLC© 2009 ISBN 978-0-7785-8928-0

It stops with you. It starts with you.








when you gamble?







AGLC© 2009 ISBN 978-0-7785-8928-0


AGLC © 2012 ISBN 978-0-7785-8928-0

RGICs are located on the gaming floors in 18 Alberta casinos. The RGICs are staffed by representatives who meet with casino customers and family or friends, to talk about responsible and problem gambling. RGIC representatives also provide referral information and educate casino and REC staff about responsible gambling.









when you gamble?







AGLC© 2009 ISBN 978-0-7785-8928-0


Finding HelpAre you or is someone you know having trouble

controlling his or her gambling? The Alberta Gaming

and Liquor Commission (AGLC) Responsible Gambling

Information Centres, located on the gaming floors of

most Alberta casinos, are staffed with representatives

who are knowledgeable about responsible gambling and

can provide information on problem gambling treatment

resources. You can also call the 24-hour, toll free Alberta

Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

My gambling feels out of control. What can I do?One option is to enroll in the self-exclusion program, offered at Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres (RECs). The self-exclusion program enables you to voluntarily ban yourself from all Alberta casinos and RECs, and the gambling opportunities these venues represent.

The self-exclusion program is not a problem gambling treatment program and you may need to access other resources to assist you with your gambling problem. An RGIC representative can provide you with a list of problem gambling resources. You can also contact the 24-hour, toll free Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

How does the self-exclusion program work? By submitting an application to the AGLC, participants can voluntarily agree to be excluded from all Alberta casinos and RECs for a specified time period.

Participants choose the length of their exclusion period (minimum six months to maximum five years). Participants must also complete a mandatory Responsible and Problem Gambling Awareness Workshop (see back of brochure for more information).

How do I access the self-exclusion program?Self-exclusion agreement forms are available at all Alberta casinos, RECs and AGLC offices, or on the AGLC website at: aglc.ca/responsiblegambling.

What will I be excluded from?You will be prohibited from entering all Alberta casinos and RECs. This includes the gaming floor, restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues located within the properties.

What happens after I voluntarily exclude?When you enroll in the self-exclusion program, your information is shared with the security offices of all the casinos and RECs in Alberta. RGIC staff, casino and REC management and floor staff are also informed of participants in the program. Staff can work to help self-exclusion program participants uphold their contractual agreements; the primary one being to stay away from casinos and RECs and the gambling opportunities they represent.

Who will know about my self-exclusion?All exclusion files are kept confidential and will only be shared with those staff of the AGLC, casinos and RECs that are responsible for maintaining the self-exclusion program. If you identify someone as your “Other Contact” on the Self-Exclusion Agreement form, that person may also be aware of your enrollment in the program. Your personal information is protected by Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

What happens if I try to enter a casino or REC?If you are detected attempting to enter any Alberta casino or REC after you have signed up for the program, your attempt will be noted and you will be escorted off the casino/REC property. Continued violations of the self-exclusion agreement may result in monetary fines and/or removal from the program. If you do gain entry and aren’t detected, you are in violation of your agreement.

How long does the exclusion last?The program has the following possible enrollment periods:

• six months;• one year;• two years;• three years; or• five years.

You may re-enroll in the program after you have completed the enrollment period indicated on your agreement form.

Can I ever return to a casino or REC?If you choose to do so, you may return once you have completed your enrollment period as well as the mandatory Responsible and Problem Gambling Awareness Workshop (see back of brochure for more information). You cannot withdraw from or cancel the agreement prior to its expiry.

All Services Are Confidential

Finding HelpAre you or is someone you know having trouble

controlling his or her gambling? The Alberta Gaming

and Liquor Commission (AGLC) Responsible Gambling

Information Centres, located on the gaming floors of

most Alberta casinos, are staffed with representatives

who are knowledgeable about responsible gambling and

can provide information on problem gambling treatment

resources. You can also call the 24-hour, toll free Alberta

Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

My gambling feels out of control. What can I do?One option is to enroll in the self-exclusion program, offered at Alberta casinos and racing entertainment centres (RECs). The self-exclusion program enables you to voluntarily ban yourself from all Alberta casinos and RECs, and the gambling opportunities these venues represent.

The self-exclusion program is not a problem gambling treatment program and you may need to access other resources to assist you with your gambling problem. An RGIC representative can provide you with a list of problem gambling resources. You can also contact the 24-hour, toll free Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322.

How does the self-exclusion program work? By submitting an application to the AGLC, participants can voluntarily agree to be excluded from all Alberta casinos and RECs for a specified time period.

Participants choose the length of their exclusion period (minimum six months to maximum five years). Participants must also complete a mandatory Responsible and Problem Gambling Awareness Workshop (see back of brochure for more information).

How do I access the self-exclusion program?Self-exclusion agreement forms are available at all Alberta casinos, RECs and AGLC offices, or on the AGLC website at: aglc.ca/responsiblegambling.

What will I be excluded from?You will be prohibited from entering all Alberta casinos and RECs. This includes the gaming floor, restaurants, lounges and entertainment venues located within the properties.

What happens after I voluntarily exclude?When you enroll in the self-exclusion program, your information is shared with the security offices of all the casinos and RECs in Alberta. RGIC staff, casino and REC management and floor staff are also informed of participants in the program. Staff can work to help self-exclusion program participants uphold their contractual agreements; the primary one being to stay away from casinos and RECs and the gambling opportunities they represent.

Who will know about my self-exclusion?All exclusion files are kept confidential and will only be shared with those staff of the AGLC, casinos and RECs that are responsible for maintaining the self-exclusion program. If you identify someone as your “Other Contact” on the Self-Exclusion Agreement form, that person may also be aware of your enrollment in the program. Your personal information is protected by Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

What happens if I try to enter a casino or REC?If you are detected attempting to enter any Alberta casino or REC after you have signed up for the program, your attempt will be noted and you will be escorted off the casino/REC property. Continued violations of the self-exclusion agreement may result in monetary fines and/or removal from the program. If you do gain entry and aren’t detected, you are in violation of your agreement.

How long does the exclusion last?The program has the following possible enrollment periods:

• six months;• one year;• two years;• three years; or• five years.

You may re-enroll in the program after you have completed the enrollment period indicated on your agreement form.

Can I ever return to a casino or REC?If you choose to do so, you may return once you have completed your enrollment period as well as the mandatory Responsible and Problem Gambling Awareness Workshop (see back of brochure for more information). You cannot withdraw from or cancel the agreement prior to its expiry.

All Services Are Confidential

Self-exclusion agreement forms are available at all Alberta casinos, RECs and AGLC offices. A sample form is available to view on the AGLC website at: aglc.ca/responsible gambling.

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