Gov't to spend $10M on problem gambling

The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation is putting $10 million toward research and programs for problem gamblers.

"We're not going to get rid of the machines. We're not going to get rid of gaming in Manitoba," says Gaming Minister Scott Smith.

"What we are going to do is we're going to take issues head-on. I'm going to find out where those issues are, what problems there are out there, and address the issues."

The money will fund research in a number of areas, including the effectiveness of treatment and awareness programs, mental health and gambling, and problem gambling in teen and aboriginal populations.

Bev Mehmel, manager of responsible gaming in the province, says a number of areas need attention.

"I think one of the things I'd also like to know is what's effective for different groups, because I don't think the general public is a homogenous group," she says.

"For example, for young adults, for youth, for older people, for single people, there are different cultural groups, are there different messages and things that would work for them?"

The Manitoba Lotteries Corporation's last annual report shows revenue of about $235 million dollars. The $10 million brings the total money to be spent on responsible gaming to $27 million over the next five years.