2002:04 GAMBLING AND GAMES OF CHANCE
Whereas:
the opportunities for gambling in Canada are steadily increasing and ongoing studies show that the number of young people and seniors making use of the various forms of gambling is also increasing; and
Whereas:
there has been a significant increase of first generation “problem” gamblers in the last ten years while there appears to be no real awareness of the potential addictive properties of gambling by either young people or their parents; and
Whereas:
the advertising carried in the media, and through unsolicited mail offers, e-mails and telephone promotions, is slanted towards the thrill and pleasure of gambling and “get-rich-quick” schemes without disclosing the risks involved; and
Whereas:
notwithstanding that the provinces have jurisdiction over gambling, the Government of Canada should have the same moral obligation to protect the citizens of Canada from life styles, such as gambling, which affect their health and the health of their families, as it does from the dangers of tobacco products and driving under the influence of alcohol; and addressing the dangers of tobacco products as well as the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol appear to be increasing public awareness of these risks; therefore be it
RESOLVED:
that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for the need for:
- an awareness of the dangers and risks of gambling and games of chance;
- the establishment of services to assist in the rehabilitation of compulsive gamblers; and be it further
RESOLVED:
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to advertise the dangers and addictive properties of gambling on radio, TV, the internet and print media; and be it further
RESOLVED:
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to encourage the establishment of services which assist in the rehabilitation of compulsive gamblers; and be it further
RESOLVED:
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to initiate programs for the general public outlining the odds and risks involved in games of chance, including unsolicited mail offers, internet and e-mail offers and telephone promotions.