Information about Know the Odds Inc

What is Know the Odds Inc and why has it been formed?

Know the Odds Inc is a community-representative incorporated body formed for educational and charitable purposes.

Its mission is to use education to prevent the harmful consequences of problem gambling in the community.

It is not a lobbying organisation.

It is not connected with or funded by any government or any gambling industry corporation.

It is not a rehabilitation organisation; its aim is to prevent problem gambling occurring.

Who are the people behind Know the Odds Inc?

Former Patron:
Rev Tim Costello - Baptist minister, Former Director of Urban Mission at Collins Street Baptist Church, now Chief Executive, Word Vision Australia

Members:

• Mr Tim Falkiner - Barrister-at-Law, former Commercial/Legal Officer, Casino Control Authority (Chairman)
  

• Mr Gregor Howie - former Executive Officer, Invergowrie Foundation
  

• Mrs Ailsa Drent - senior educational psychologist
  

• Mr Seamus Duffy - problem gambling expert
  

• Mr Hang Feng - welfare services provider, Cambodian community, Springvale Indo Chinese Mutual Assistance Association (SICMAA)
  

• Ms Bernadette George - consultant social planner
  

• Mr Phong Nguyen - coordinator of SICMAA
  

• Dr Pauline Sharma - education officer
  

• Gabriela Byrne - Chair of Chrysalis Inc, Director of the Free Yourself Program (Secretary)

• Jennifer Byrne - student

What does Know the Odds Inc teach?

KTO does not deal with the broad social and economic effects of gambling. Nor does KTO teach that gambling is good or bad or that people should or should not gamble.

KTO simply provides individuals with basic information necessary for them to make personal decisions about gambling insofar as it may impact upon their own lives.

Problem gambling can harm a person in two ways. Directly, if the person becomes a problem gambler and indirectly if a person has a relationship with a problem gambler.

KTO will minimise the chance of harm by:

• educating to prevent people becoming problem gamblers ("mathematics" module); and

• educating people to identify, understand and assist problem gamblers and to better cope with the indirect effects of problem gambling on their own lives ("relationships" module).

How and to whom will KTO deliver education?

KTO has produced its video kit for secondary schools which comprises an A4 plastic folder with:

• a 20 minute VHS video

• two 3.5 inch software disks containing probability exercises

• A4 notes, and

• class exercises

The video kit materials have been re-implemented in interactive CD-ROM format which will soon be available.

Other educational materials and delivery methods may be developed and implemented in response to requests or suggestions.

Further details may be obtained from Know the Odds Inc.

Go back to Know the Odds Inc home page

Created: 28 February 1998
Last Modified:29 March 2005
Author/Maintainer: Know the Odds Inc- e-mail address: knowodds@knowodds.org
Internet address: http://www.knowodds.org