YOUTH LEARN ABOUT \"ODDS\" AT THE SASKATCHEWAN SCIENCE CENTRE

Did you know, on average you are 23 times more likely to be hit by lightning (1 in 600,000) than winning the lottery? (1 in 13,983,816).

This is the kind of fact revealed through a new interactive exhibit on odds and luck versus skill officially opened today at the Saskatchewan Science centre by Health Minister John Nilson.

The display, which includes hands-on fun, like basketball throws and lottery draws is designed to reveal the truth about gambling and mathematical probability by teaching youth the difference between games of skill and games of chance.

"We are committed to developing quality prevention programs that will assist young people to make informed decisions about the risk of gambling," Nilson said. "Saskatchewan Health is pleased to work with the Saskatchewan Science Centre to present a creative way to reach young people with information they can use to prevent future gambling problems. This is another example of the way we can build healthier communities, a key element identified in our Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care."

"It's exciting to partner with Saskatchewan Health on this great new exhibit, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Science Centre Wayne Hellquist said. "What Are The Odds?" "It mixes good educational material with a fun approach. This exhibit demonstrates the mathematics of probability and some of the problems associated with gambling."

Saskatchewan Health provided funding of $53,000 to the Saskatchewan Science Centre to construct and operate the probability display. This is part of the department's mandate to provide prevention and education strategies targeting problem gambling.

The Regina Public School Board's mathematics advisor was consulted on the project. The probability display will be a permanent exhibit at the Science Centre.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083

Wayne Hellquist Saskatchewan Science Centre Regina Phone: (306)791-7930