FAQ's
- Who operates the RGRCs?
- What do RGRC Service Coordinators do?
- Who is the Responsible Gambling Council?
- Who uses the RGRCs?
- Do I have to physically visit a RGRC to get information, assistance or a referral?
- What are the qualifications of the RGRC staff?
- Is there such a thing as ‘responsible gambling’?
- Are the RGRCs ‘against’ gambling?
- Where does the funding come from?
- What is Self-Exclusion?
- Can I self exclude someone else?
- What are your hours of operation?
- If a Service Coordinator is not at a RGRC, how can I get information or assistance or a referral?
1. Who operates the RGRCs?
The RGRCs are operated and staffed by independent problem gambling prevention specialists from the Responsible Gambling Council, a non-profit organization specializing in prevention strategies. Information provided to the RGRC staff is confidential. The RGRCs are not part of the OLG or the casino itself.
2. What do RGRC Service Coordinators do?
RGRC Service Coordinators provide:
Information on safer gambling practices
Assistance, providing immediate support and information to casino patrons, concerned friends and family members
Referral to local resources for help with gambling-related problems
RGRC Service Coordinators also support casino staff in responding to patrons who are experiencing problems related to gambling.
Throughout the year, the RGRCs run a number of educational events, sharing information on safer play with all patrons.
Explore more about the staff and services at the RGRC by taking the virtual tour.
3. Who is the Responsible Gambling Council?
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is 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.
4. Who uses the RGRCs?
The RGRCs provide services to ALL patrons. This year, through the Centres, more than 160,000 people will receive information about safer play, and/or immediate support and assistance if concerned about a gambling-related problem.
It’s important to note that the staff at the RGRC do not provide ongoing counselling, but rather act as a bridge to local community services and counselling for those who wish it.
5. Do I have to physically visit a RGRC to get information, assistance or a referral?
No. In addition to visiting the RGRC, patrons can also get information on this website or by telephone. Click here for more information about RGRC listings and contact information.
6. What are the qualifications of the RGRC staff?
The Service Coordinators at the RGRC have various work backgrounds, including social services, health services, communications and casino work experience. All Service Coordinators undergo additional training from the Responsible Gambling Council and ongoing professional development.
7. Is there such a thing as ‘responsible gambling’?
We know through research that 63% of Ontarians gamble, and when people talk about “responsible gambling” they usually mean gambling that is within safe limits. Most people do set limits and stick to them. A small percentage of people get into trouble, and for that small percentage, gambling can have devastating effects. That is why a focus on problem gambling prevention is so important.
8. Are the RGRCs ‘against’ gambling?
The RGRCs are here to provide people who choose to gamble with information to make informed decisions. It’s all about preventing gambling related problems, not telling people if they should or should not gamble.
9. Where does the funding come from?
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) provides free space in the venue and funds operating costs.
10. What is Self-Exclusion?
Voluntary Self-Exclusion is a self-help tool offered by OLG to people who wish to limit or stop their gambling. Participants commit in writing to stay away from all OLG gaming facilities in Ontario for the term of their Self-Exclusion. Click here to link to OLG’s brochure Self-Exclusion A Chance for Change. A RGRC Service Coordinator can answer general questions about the program, in addition to offer information about other free support services in the community.
11. Can I self exclude someone else?
No. As the name suggests, Self-Exclusion is voluntary and entry into the program can only come from the person who wants to register. If you have concerns about someone’s gambling, you can get some information on this website, speak with Service Coordinator at a RGRC or connect to local help.
12. What are your hours of operation?
Click here to find out more about the RGRC hours of operations, location and contact information.
13. If a Service Coordinator is not at a RGRC, how can I get information or assistance or a referral?
Literature and information on a wide variety of topics is always accessible at the RGRC.
If you are on-site and want to speak with a RGRC Service Coordinator, call the toll-free number posted in the area or in our RGRC info card.
If you are seeking information about community resources for a gambling-related issue, you can always contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-888-230-3505.
