PIETERSBURG - The growing problem of addictive gambling has brought a pro-active response from the leisure and gaming industry in South Africa.

Dr Mike Meyer of the National Responsible Gambling Programme told a public meeting in Pietersburg/Polokwane this week that a toll-free helpline was available to assist problem gamblers who needed to overcome their addiction.

Other services included access to professional counsellors, and the setting up of education and research programmes.

The public awareness presentation came ahead of the official opening of the Meropa Casino later this month. Meropa Gaming Operations Manager, Wayne Duck, pointed out that the programme was not a public relations stunt, but formed part of the entertainment centre's social responsibility to the community.

Meyer said problem gamblers were not always easily identifiable. However, people obsessed with gambling, who neglected their families and displayed anti-social and criminal tendencies, usually fell into this category.

"Casino staff have been trained to recognise such tendencies, and to report it to the management. These days, all gaming centres are committed to customer education through the promotion of responsible gambling via brochures, posters and notices at all points of sale," Meyer added.

Public awareness programmes were also featured in professional journals and newspapers, and presented to focus groups such as pensioners and young people.

"The treatment of gambling addiction is relatively new. It is a controversial field, as many people do not agree on what addictive gambling really is", Meyer explained.

He said the helpline call-centre in Cape Town received about 700 calls a month. Many problem gamblers voluntarily asked to be excluded from the industry, while a large percentage of inquiries came from concerned family members. About 15 percent of all addictive gamblers were referred to the programme's treatment network.

Clinical psychologists were available in 21 centres around the country, to offer professional help, when required.