Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Official Welcome to this Blog

Welcome to the brand new problem gambling prevention blog!

As you can see, it's really fresh and just a couple posts thus far, just to get us going.

Why a blog? And what can a blog do for us in the field of problem gambling prevention?

The point of this tool is to be able to share resources as things come up and request information from one another. Our field is so new, and we have so little time that having the opportunity to share can prove invaluable if we really do get involved.

The benefits of a blog are, among other things, more interactivity than a traditional website, and less email in already stuffed inboxes. You can come back at anytime, and post at anytime as well if you're an author.

Check out a couple of sample posts below. And for a good example of how a blog can benefit us, visit a related blog at gamingresearch.blogspot.com. While it's not specific to prevention (which is why we've begun this blog), there you will find updated research related to gambling.

Questions? Post a comment using the 'comments' link below. Like to be an author on the blog? Send an email.

Thanks. Happy blogging!

New report: "Gambling: As the Take Rises, So Does Public Concern"


Changes have apparently shifted in the public's attitudes toward legal gambling. A new social trends report on gambling by Pew Research Center was just released on May 23, 2006. Gambling: As the Take Rises, So Does Public Concern, shows a trend of less public support toward legal gambling, and many believe that gambling encourages people to spend more than they can afford.

The full report is available at:
http://pewresearch.org/assets/social/pdf/Gambling.pdf

Please post your comments about the findings of this report below.

Children's poker workshop article

Source: http://www.cbc.ca/bc/story/bc_poker20060510.html

Children's poker workshop panned by solicitor general
Last updated May 10 2006 07:02 PM PDTCBC News

B.C. Solicitor General John Les says he's appalled that a Vancouver company is planning to teach children how to play Texas Hold'em at a poker workshop next month.

Nevada North Entertainment is putting on the Kids Poker Tour for youngsters ranging in age from 10 to 18 at the end of June.

The event's brochure says the workshop will teach better communication and social interaction, good sportsmanship, and math and number skills, among other benefits.

INDEPTH: Gambling But the solicitor general said those benefits can be achieved in other ways. "There are lots of good ways to learn all of those good things and it doesn't have to be a poker game.

"Targeting kids as young as 10 years old, I think is reprehensible, and our government is certainly opposed to minors being targeted this way."

Les plans to watch event 'like a hawk'
For an undisclosed fee, the young people will also be offered a half-day tournament with prizes such as education subsidies and free entry to future events.

Les said the tournament and prizes could make the workshop illegal. He added his staff will be watching the event "like a hawk" – and will be ready to shut it down.

"The minute they step out of line, I want enforcement action taken."

A spokesperson for Nevada North Entertainment declined an interview request by CBC News.
-----

Comments on this article?

Help with blogging

Need help logging in for the first time? Blogging your entry for the first time? Click each of the three pictures below for help. Still don't get it or do better with a little extra help? Email julie. [julhynes at gmail dot com].