Reel Facts is a mandatory training program for all VLT retailer staff who have any involvement with video lottery terminals (VLTs) at their place of work.

In this course, participants learn about:

• Responsible gambling - what it is and how VLT retailers and their staff can promote healthy attitudes towards 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. VLT retailer staff who pass the exam will receive a certificate of completion.

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 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, and
• 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.

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.

All VLT retailers and staff who have any involvement with video lottery terminals (VLTs) at their place of work are required to certify with Reel Facts training. Effective July 1st, 2010, newly hired gaming and liquor industry staff must complete the training within 30 days of their employment start date.

Reel Facts certification will continue to be valid for five years.

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.

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 learn how to avoid their use, and
• 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.

Your current training certificate requirement will remain the same. Once your current certificate expires (five years from the date you completed your Reel Facts training), you will be required to renew your certification. Training acquired after July 1st, 2010 will continue to be valid for a period of five years.

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.

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 http://reelfacts.aglc.ca and use the same login and password to register and 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.

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.

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 administrative support team 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.

Liquor industry workers who have moved to Alberta and have completed a responsible liquor service training course in BC or any other Canadian jurisdiction within the last five years can apply to the SMART Training office to have their training recognized in Alberta.

Responsible gambling awareness programs from outside the province of Alberta are not transferable.

To register or for more information, please contact the SMART Training office at 1-877-436-6336 during business hours (Mondays through Fridays, from 8:15 am until 4:00 pm). Gaming and liquor industry workers are also encouraged to visit http://smartprograms.aglc.ca.

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, click here to view Liquor Policies.

For information about Reel Facts VLT Training or to register for training, please visit http://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 am until 4:00 pm). The SMART Training office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays.

Fax: (780) 447-7550

Email: info@reelfacts.aglc.ca

Reel Facts VLT Training (Reel Facts)
Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
50 Corriveau Avenue
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3T5

If you are experiencing problems with alcohol, gambling, tobacco or other drugs - AADAC can help. Call 1-866-33AADAC (1-866-332-2322) for information, support, referral or visit www.aadac.com