11th Annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week Sept. 30-Oct. 6

Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to learn more about responsible gambling programs and events throughout the province as part of the 11th Annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, Sept. 30 to Oct. 6.

"Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about responsible gaming practices, and ensuring that Nova Scotians understand the resources that are available," said Bob MacKinnon, acting president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. "The week is a terrific showcase of the responsible gambling practices and efforts that occur year-round."

This year, the week centres around the Fellowship of Fun, a fictitious group based emphasising there are things we all do to make our hobbies, pastimes and entertainment choices more responsible, and because of that, more enjoyable. When it comes to gambling, responsibility is key to ensuring it remains a fun entertainment option.

The Fellowship of Fun will visit six communities including Halifax Regional Municipality, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Truro, Bridgewater, Kentville and Shelburne. There are several other events planned throughout the province, including:

• Responsible Gambling Resource Centre Open House: The centres at both Casino Nova Scotia locations will be host Fellowship of Fun gaming information sessions on Saturday, Oct. 6 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to encourage players to visit the centre for responsible gambling information.

• kts2: A problem gambling awareness program for post-secondary students, builds on the success of the Responsible Gambling Council's Know the Score program. kts2 will visit Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Community College Waterfront Campus examine the real chances of winning and losing, highlight signs of problem gambling and suggest ways to keep gambling safer.

82 per cent: A troupe of actors will perform the drama 82 per cent for high school students throughout Nova Scotia. With a message about the risks of gambling, as well as information on problem gambling, the drama has been well received and is an effective way to deliver youth gambling prevention messages.

NSGC is the Crown corporation that manages the gaming industry in the province and is the host of the 11th annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which offers a number of community events and education programs across Nova Scotia. For more information on the week, or for responsible gambling tips, visit www.yourbestbet.ca .