PURPOSE
The RGC Centre for The Advancement of Best Practices is a division of the Responsible Gambling Council. The Centre promotes the identification and adoption of best practices to reduce the incidence of problem gambling.
WHAT THE CENTRE DOES
Program Policy Analysis
The Centre undertakes analysis of best practices in responsible gambling, prevention and risk reduction measures. The Centre’s research is designed to support decision-makers in the pursuit of workable measures likely to reduce problem gambling. Examples of this include: best practices in self-exclusion programs and the management of electronic gaming machines.
Responsible Gambling ‘Think Tank’
RGC has a well-established history of bringing together diverse groups and interests in the pursuit of a common goal. The Centre will continue to expand this role, bringing together problem gambling specialists, gaming providers, researchers and gamblers with firsthand experience of problems to seek a shared understanding and solutions to gambling-related problems.
Setting Voluntary Standards
The Centre will research and publish the Responsible Gambling Index — an independent standard for responsible gambling initiatives sponsored by governments and gaming providers. Through on-going research and analysis, the Index will be updated regularly.
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
The Centre builds on, and substantially expands, the current scope and operations of the Responsible Gambling Council.
The Council has initiated a range of successful programs as well as analytical and ‘best practice’ studies in recent years, including a review of self-exclusion in Canada and a comprehensive assessment of the relationship between electronic gaming machines and problem gambling.
RGC has established the confidence of decision-makers for its balanced and thoughtful positions on issues that are frequently volatile and misunderstood. The Centre also builds on the unique history of the Council, which was established by compulsive gamblers in 1983 and evolved into a professional organization which continues to maintain strong links with those who have experienced gambling problems firsthand.
Information about treatment centres, help line numbers and Gamblers Anonymous.
