Addiction spins wheel of missed fortune

Addiction spins wheel of missed fortune
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

The risks associated with gambling addiction are well known to Rob Sawatzky.

As a doctor in New Brunswick, Vernon’s mayor tried to assist patients hooked on slot machines and other forms of gaming. One young man with a wife and child is particularly memorable.

“He was spending all of his family’s earnings on a video lottery terminal addiction. Addiction can be overwhelming,” said Sawatzky.

That’s why he is endorsing the inaugural Gambling Week from Saturday to Friday.

“The week will provide valuable feedback from the community,” said Sawatzky, adding that the city will be able to determine the scope of problem gambling locally and what programs are available to help.

A number of events are planned during the week, including the Myth Busting kiosk which will increase awareness about gambling.

“It’s fun and interactive but gets the message out,” said Annette Sharkey, with the Social Planning Council, which is organizing the week.

The kiosk will be at the Schubert Centre Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m., and at the Vernon Recreation Complex Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., the Village Green Centre Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Okanagan College Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the First Nations Employment Centre Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon, the Vernon library Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the recreation complex Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Monday, Owning Mahowny​, a film about a gambling addict, will show at Vernon Towne Cinema at 7 p.m.

There will be a dialogue on responsible gambling Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Schubert Centre. Experts in the field of responsible gambling, problem gambling and prevention will speak on a variety of topics. To register, call 250-545-0585 by Monday.

Information on all activities can be found at www.responsiblegamblingweek.ca.

It’s believed that four per cent of people who gamble are addicted.

“We are funding a ground-breaking program that could be a model for other communities,” said Michael Graydon, B.C. Lottery Corporation president, of the agency’s support of Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.

The City of Vernon received about $2 million last year in casino revenue.

“That’s a big part of our budget,” said Sawatzky.

“One could say we have become habituated to that revenue.”

About $32 million was spent at the local casino last year, and Coun. Bob Spiers believes that has implications for families and the economy.

“A heck of a lot of money leaves the community,” he said.