On September 9th and 16th, Fenikss gaming hall managers participated in a training program on helping clients at risk of gambling addiction.
In the first phase of the program, gaming hall managers learned in depth the development of gambling addiction, its manifestations and treatment, as well as developed practical skills in communication with problem gamblers.
The purpose of the guidelines and curriculum is
- To develop the knowledge and skills of gaming hall employees to recognize gambling addiction
- To offer timely and appropriate assistance to clients whose behavior shows signs of gambling addiction
The guidelines and training program were developed by the association "Be Free" in cooperation with a group of experienced experts: Ilze Maksima (narcologist, CBT therapist, board member of the Latvian Narcologists Association), Inga Landsmane (narcologist - psychiatrist, head of the Outpatient Advisory Department of the Narcological Assistance Service of the Riga Psychiatry and Narcology Center, member of the board of the Latvian Association of Narcologists and lecturer at the University of Latvia), Magdalena Pranaite (clinical psychologist, lecturer at the University of Latvia with work experience as a psychologist in the Lotteries and Gambling Supervision Inspection and in the Minnesota program of the hospital “Ģintermuiža”), Inga Bitēna (Mg.sc.sal., Art therapist in the program of the hospital “Ģintermuiža” in Minnesota) and Dace Caica (gestalt therapist, addiction specialist, chairman of the board of the association "Be Free").
Dace Caica, Head of the Training Program Expert Group, describes the guidelines and the training program:
“I am pleased to have managed to implement a unique project in Latvia - to create not only theoretical, but also practical guidelines for Alfor and Admirals' Club gaming hall employees and managers on assistance to gambling addicted clients. Gaming hall managers have undergone training with practical training under the supervision of specialists, learning the steps of offering information assistance in accordance with the assessment of the client's situation. By observing the client's gambling habits, the floor employee will now be able to recognize certain signs of risky behavior and will be prepared to offer information on gambling addiction".
The second phase of the training program will train more than 300 gaming hall staff and will end in November.
All Fenikss gaming halls already provide various elements of responsible entertainment
- Once a hour, a statement about the principles of responsible play and the opportunity to register in the Register of Self-Rejected Persons is played
- An informative brochure on safe gaming and support options
- Application form for the Register of Self-Rejected Persons
- Information about the crisis support telephone at Skalbes company
- Internet resource spelesbriviba.lv
