Gambling hits jackpot

Page 2

Students from two First Nations schools in northeastern Alberta received an informative and educational lesson in gambling addiction at the end of May.

Students from Beaver Lake First Nation's Amisk School attended an Alberta Alcohol and Drug Commission play called King for a Day.

Performed by Calgary's Quest Theatre group, the performance has been played out 138 times to students in Grade 4 to 6 from March 1 to June 9.

The play focuses on the relationship between a brother and sister and their new friend during summer break after Grade 5.

The friend, Tim, played by actor Jason Bryden, introduces the early stages of gambling to the two naive siblings.

Tim teaches them to play cards, bet on board games, and play games of chance at carnivals.

The play portrays Tim's home life as a troubled one. He is staying with his grandmother who regularly plays bingo, VLTs and scratch lottery cards.

"Try your luck. What do you have to lose," asks Tim.

According to AADAC statistics, young children who get started in early stage gambling activities have a lot to lose.

An estimated 23 per cent of youngsters develop into problem gamblers during their teenage years.

The high energy, emotional and sometimes humorous portrayal of children who gradually get sucked into gambling kept the local school kids entertained throughout the presentation.

In the ending of the play, the brother and sister finally realize that they have a lot more to lose than to gain by getting into gambling. It's about seeing that a person doesn't have to spend money to have a good time. They also realize its not just money that can be lost, but families, friends and self-worth.