Addictions foundation to pull out of Manitoba casinos

The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba will no longer provide information about gambling odds at Winnipeg's two casinos.

Chief executive officer Yvonne Block says the Crown agency is ending its role because it wants to focus resources on addictions programs and other core services.

The Responsible Gaming Information Centres run six days a week at casinos and explain the odds in gambling and the so-called house advantage.

The centres also refer people who are worried about their gambling to support agencies.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries is looking for another agency to run the centres.

Spokeswoman Bev Mehmel says the new provider may not necessarily be an addictions treatment group.

"Because probably 80 per cent of the service is related to providing education and interacting with customers providing information it doesn't necessarily have to be an addictions agency," Mehmel said.

Mehmel pointed to New Brunswick, where services are provided by Shepell FGI, a private company that operates employee assistance programs.

Mehmel also said a new provider may offer extended hours of service, running seven days a week instead of the current six.