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Photo by Christina Ryan, Calgary Herald CALGARY, AB.:JANUARY 3, 2013 --

But an expert in the psychology of gambling addictions says closure hours for slots are an important way to break the cycle of gambling when someone is “in the zone” and their control over their play is impaired.

“People really get quite immersed while they’re playing,” said David Hodgins, a psychology professor at the University of Calgary. “To move in the direction of making (slots) 24-hours is really going in the opposite direction than we would recommend in terms of minimizing the potential harms.”

Hodgins said the move is particularly concerning because slots “tend to be the most problematic” form of gambling because they are easily accessible, start with small wins or losses, and give nearly instant results.

“We know that making gambling more accessible means more people will get into problems,” he said.

Ray Reshke, executive director of the Problem Gambling Resources Network (PGRN), expressed concern the move could open the door for further expansion of gambling hours in other areas.

“Casinos will see this as a precedent,” he said in an interview Friday, calling slots the “crack cocaine of gambling.”

“People are going to gamble, but at some point, when do you shut down that opportunity to gamble?” Reshke said, adding the PGRN had not been aware of the change.

“AGLC is committed to finding ways to support player wellness while providing Albertans with gaming entertainment options,” said Holmen.

mwyton@postmedia.com

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