Released on September 29, 2015
SaskGaming is introducing a new policy to help deter voluntarily self-excluded individuals from gambling at its properties. The disentitlement of winnings policy allows SaskGaming to withhold cash, credits and prizes from individuals who are ineligible to win at Saskatchewan casinos, which removes the primary reason many people gamble.
“SaskGaming is always looking for ways to strengthen its commitment to providing casino entertainment in a socially responsible manner,” Minister responsible for SaskGaming Nancy Heppner said. “The introduction of this policy adds a powerful tool to the corporation’s robust responsible gaming program and is a benefit to individuals struggling with problem gambling.”
The policy applies to individuals who are voluntarily self-excluded from any casino in Saskatchewan, those who are involuntarily excluded from SaskGaming casinos, those under the age of 19 years, and SaskGaming employees and certain contracted service providers. There are currently 545 voluntarily self-excluded individuals between SaskGaming’s two properties.
“The purpose of the policy is to remove the temptation to gamble by denying excluded individuals the opportunity to win,” SaskGaming President and CEO Susan Flett said. “This is particularly important for individuals who have entered into a self-exclusion agreement through our responsible gaming program as this new rule will help deter them from breaking that agreement.”
In June 2015, The Gaming Regulations, 2007 were amended to allow for the disentitlement of winnings of excluded patrons. SaskGaming’s policy comes into effect on October 1, 2015. Saskatchewan is the second jurisdiction in Canada to amend regulations to allow for the disentitlement of winnings.
All funds withheld through disentitlement of winnings will be directed to SaskGaming’s Community Relations program which will disburse the funds to groups, projects and events in Saskatchewan.
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For more information, contact:
Rachel Molnar
SaskGaming
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0990
Email: rachel.molnar@saskgaming.com