Posted on Feb. 23: Student gamblers get to ‘know the score’
Although Know the Score could also refer to student's midterm marks, it is the name of an initiative developed by the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) of Ontario for post secondary students.
This interactive awareness program educates young adults on the early signs of problem gambling and tells students where they can get help in their community.
The Responsible Gambling Council piloted the program in 2002 and, based on the positive response from students, has expanded its outreach efforts for the coming year. Hosted by the Campus Health, Health and Wellness Centre, Know the Score will be on the McMaster campus from Feb. 23 to 26 in the McMaster University Student Centre marketplace. It is one of 20 Ontario university and college campus stops between September 2003 and March 2004.
“Our research has found that 18-to 24-year-olds are among the highest risk groups for developing gambling problems,” says Lisa Couperus, the Council's special events manager for prevention programs. “That group has almost twice the rate of the general adult population.”
Measuring Gambling and Problem Gambling in Ontario (December 2001), conducted by the Responsible Gambling Council and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, showed that more than seven per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds experience moderate to severe gambling problems compared to 3.8 per cent found in the general population. Know the Score builds awareness around the risks associated with problem gambling.
“We are here to give people the information they need to make good decisions,” adds Couperus. “The Council believes that university and college campuses provide an ideal forum for programs like Know the Score as more than half of young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are in post-secondary education.”
The Know the Score program also talks to young people about common myths regarding randomness and, if they choose to gamble, ways to keep it safer. As part of Know the Score, students are invited to participate in a contest by answering five questions designed to increase awareness. They can obtain the necessary information from the council's Web site or from the Know the Score information booths, which are staffed by trained student participants. Entrants with all answers correct are eligible for one of two $1,500 scholarship awards, in addition to gift certificates for food, campus books and daily giveaways.
In an effort to encourage more student participation and peer discussions, the council increases student involvement in the program by training local students to staff the booths. Student staff will work together with support professionals in providing information and educational materials.
