Betting has become a part of our lives. Many of us buy a raffle ticket to support a local charity, join a sports pool during the playoff season, flip a coin to see who pays for coffee, periodically play bingo or VLTs or go to the casino for a night of entertainment.

For most people, gambling is something they do occasionally - for fun or to support a local charity.

However, for some people, gambling is more than an occasional activity. Gambling becomes the only activity they enjoy. It quickly becomes the focus of their life.

Gambling is defined as: betting money or valuables on a game or activity that has an uncertain outcome. Raffles, bingo, scratch-and-win tickets, lotteries, sports betting, casino table games, slot machines and VLTs are all forms of gambling.

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority is responsible for regulating gaming activities in Saskatchewan. This includes casino gaming, video lottery terminals and slot machines, charity gaming (bingos, breakopen tickets, raffles) and horse racing.

Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation is a Treasury Board Crown Corporation responsible for operating Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw. Casino Regina has 800 slot machines and 35 table games. Casino Moose Jaw has 200 slot machines and 6 table games.

The Department of Culture Youth and Recreation is responsible for regulating lotteries in the province and disbursing lottery proceeds. The department also oversees The Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation. It was established in 1974 for the purpose of granting funds to eligible, non-profit volunteer organizations in the areas of sports, culture and recreation.

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) is a corporate body responsible for the management of First Nations gaming operations in the province on behalf of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. SIGA operates the following casinos:

• Gold Eagle Casino  – North Battleford
• Northern Lights Casino – Prince Albert
• Bear Claw Casino – White Bear First Nation
• Painted Hand Casino – Yorkton

The main gambling activities (2002 study) that Saskatchewan adults participate in: