Reel Facts VLT Training
What is Reel Facts VLT Training?
Reel Facts is a mandatory training program for all retail staff who have any involvement with video lottery terminals (VLTs) at their place of work.
In this course, participants will learn about:
- Responsible gambling - what it is and how VLT retailers and their staff can promote healthy attitudes towads gambling;
- Problem gambling and some of the signs of gambling addiction;
- The words and actions that tend to reinforce the gambler's myths that lead to unhealthy behaviours and how to avoid their use; and
- Programs and services that are available to help reduce the incidence of problem gambling.
There is an exam following the completion of the program. Participants may go back and review the lessons before taking the exam. Gaming and liquor industry workers who pass the exam will receive a certificate of completion.
Why was it created?
Reel Facts is an expanded and updated version of the former Winning Moments VLT responsible gambling awareness training program. Winning Moments was developed to instruct employees in licensed establishments with VLTs about responsible gambling, what it is and how to promote healthy attitudes towards gambling.
With its expanded content and examination, the Reel Facts training program also helps retailers and their staff understand how they can provide assistance to customers who may have a gambling problem, in the form of support and referrals.
The AGLC is committed to ensuring that individuals working in the gaming industry are adequately trained to:
- Promote responsible gambling
- Help licensees and staff fulfill social responsibilities
- Help achieve a balance between creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for customers and reducing liability
- Help licensees and staff understand and apply relevant legislation
Responsible gambling awareness training has been mandatory for Alberta's VLT retailers and staff since 1999.
What are the benefits of this training?
Often, unknowingly, we can perpetuate illusions about gambling which can encourage gamblers to continue to practice unhealthy and harmful behaviours. If employees understand those myths and how not to perpetuate them, they can be very helpful in correcting the gambler's irrational thinking, thereby helping to prevent gambling problems.
Reel Facts training will help learners better understand the nature and extent of gambling in Alberta, what responsible and problem gambling is, and the role VLT retailers and their staff can play in promoting responsible gambling and reducing problem gambling at their place of work.
Who is required to take the training? And by when?
Effective January 1st, 2010 all retail staff who have any involvement with video lottery terminals (VLTs) at their place of work are required to certify with Reel Facts training.
All liquor and gaming industry workers who successfully complete Reel Facts are issued a laminated card that must be presented to an AGLC inspector upon request. Reel Facts certification applies to the individual named on the certificate, not to the venue where that person works. A person with valid Reel Facts certification may use it at any licensed premises in Alberta.
What topics are covered?
In this course, you will:
- Develop an awareness of responsible gambling
- Learn how to recognize problem gambling and some of the signs of gambling addiction
- Understand the words and actions that reinforce the gambler's myths that lead to unhealthy behaviours, and how to avoid their use
- Learn how to make help available to problem gamblers and become aware of the programs and services available to help reduce incidences of problem gambling.
Effective July 1st, 2010, VLT retailers and their staff will be required to obtain Reel Facts certification within 30 days of being hired. For more information about the Reel Facts program, please visit reelfacts.aglc.ca.
I took my Reel Facts training before July 1st, 2010. How will this change affect my current training certificate status?
Your current training certificate requirement will remain the same. These new harmonization changes apply to you after your current certificate normally expires. Training acquired after July 1st, 2010 will continue to be valid for a period of five years.
What if I become a new employee just prior to July 1st, 2010? How long do I have to get my SMART Training?
If you are a new employee to the liquor and gaming industry and you have not completed the SMART Training program(s) required for your position as of July 1st, 2010 you will have 30 days to complete the appropriate SMART programs.
How do I register? How much does it cost?
You can register for Reel Facts in the following ways:
Online: If you have completed ProServe, ProTect, A Good Call or Deal Us In training online, you already have an account. Please visit reelfacts.aglc.ca and use the same login and password to complete your Reel Facts course online.
Self-directed: VLT retailers and staff residing in communities without Internet access can request a Reel Facts Participant Manual and DVD. Please contact the SMART Training office during business hours (Monday through Friday, from 8:15 am until 4:00 pm). Toll-free, please call 1-877-436-6336.
There is no charge for the online or self-directed Reel Facts program.
What is expected of me after I take the program?
Employees are not expected to be counselors or to interfere with a patron's gambling. Workers should be aware of signs of problem gambling, be available to talk with a patron who may open up to them, and be able to discreetly and respectfully offer information on assistance programs.
What if I change my place of employment, but am still working for a VLT retailer?
The Reel Facts certificate of completion may be used as proof of program completion in all licensed premises in Alberta. If you have relocated and have not received your certificate, please contact the SMART Training office.
Toll-free, the SMART Training office can be reached at 1-877-436-6336, Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 am until 4:00 pm. The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
What if I already took other training?
Responsible gambling programs from outside the province of Alberta are not transferable.
What happens if I do not comply?
Reel Facts is mandatory under AGLC policy. VLT retailers who employ non-certified workers can be issued a warning, fine, license suspension or license termination. AGLC policies are available online.
What if I have questions?
For information on Reel Facts VLT Training or to register for training, please visit reelfacts.aglc.ca.
Detailed information about Reel Facts may be obtained by:
Phone: Contact the SMART Training office toll-free at 1-877-436-6336 during business hours (Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m.). The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
Fax: 780-447-7550
Email: info@reelfacts.aglc.ca
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