About RGRC

The Responsible Gaming Resource Centre (RGRC), located on-site at OLG Slots and Casinos across Ontario, provides patrons with information on safer gambling practices as well as assistance and local referrals for help with gambling-related problems. Operated by the Responsible Gambling Council, the Centres are independent and information provided to the RGRC staff is confidential.

Information

Signs of a problem. The real chances of winning and losing. Gambling myths and facts. Ways to keep gambling safer. Information on a range of gambling-related topics is available to all patrons. The RGRCs are here to provide people who choose to gamble with information to make informed decisions. Our primary focus is about preventing gambling-related problems.

Assistance

The RGRCs provide assistance to patrons concerned about their own, or someone else’s gambling.

Referral

Through the RGRCs, patrons can get connected to Ontario’s comprehensive network of problem gambling treatment agencies and other community help. We know the programs in the community and how to access them.

The RGRC does not provide ongoing counselling, but rather acts as a bridge to help for those who wish it.

Speaking with a RGRC Service Coordinator

Patrons are always welcome to drop by the Centre and pick up valuable information. At all the RGRCs located across Ontario, information, assistance and referrals are available through our informational brochures and other interactive tools.

At Ontario’s five largest Centres, RGRC Service Coordinators are also on-site to answer questions or discuss an issue related to gambling problems. If staff are not on-site, patrons can still reach a RGRC Service Coordinator by phone. Click here for a listing of all the RGRCs locations, including the hours when staff are on-site, and Centre phone numbers.

History

The RGRCs were established in 2005 as a pilot program operating out of two locations: Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Windsor (now Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino).

An independent agency conducted an extensive evaluation of the RGRCs, surveying and interviewing casino patrons, casino staff and local problem gambling treatment providers. Based on findings of the evaluation, the RGRCs expanded their services: There are currently 24 locations in OLG Slots and Casinos across Ontario, with an additional three slated to open in 2010.

This year, it is estimated that more than 130,000 people will access information, test their knowledge on the M.A.R.G.I. interactive kiosk, participate in educational events or speak with an RGRC Service Coordinator.

For more information about the signs of a potential gambling problem and safer gambling practices, please click here.

To find help in your Ontario community, please click here.

The RGRCs are operated by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), an independent, non-profit organization committed to problem gambling prevention. RGC designs and delivers highly effective awareness programs. Through the RGC Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices, the Council also promotes the identification and adoption of best practices in problem gambling prevention.