What is problem gambling?

 Gambling for fun is not a problem, but gambling becomes a problem when it causes problems.

Problem gambling happens when a person starts to lose control of their gambling behaviour. Gambling becomes a kind of obsession, and is no longer fun. When this happens, a person and their loved ones can experience serious harms and consequences related to finances, work, relationships, as well as mental and physical health.

People of all ages, income levels, backgrounds and cultures can be affected by problem gambling. Problem gambling can happen suddenly or over the course of many years. It can develop for a number of different reasons with many factors, such as difficult life circumstances or trying to win back money lost. 

Risk Factors for Problem Gambling

Certain factors can make a person more at risk of problem gambling, such as:

• gambling at a young age
• a previous big win
• problem gambling in the family
• holding misconceptions about the odds of winning
• easy access to gambling
• cultural gambling norms
• impulsive or risk-taking behaviour tendencies
• a history of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or substance use
• a lack of knowledge about gambling
• positive attitudes towards gambling
• a stressful life event (e.g., divorce, retirement, job loss or a loved one’s death)

Signs of problem gambling 

Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, spending more money than you can afford, and keeping gambling behaviour a secret are a few signs that problem gambling may be occurring. Problem gambling will look different for each person, so CAMH put together a long list of potential signs, click on the link below:

https://www.problemgambling.ca/gambling-help/gambling-information/signs-of-problem-gambling.aspx

If you think you or someone you know may be experiencing negative impacts of gambling, this short quiz by CAMH will help you understand if gambling is harming your life and where to get help:

http://www.problemgambling.ca/gambling-help/PGSIscreener/Registration.aspx

Do you think gambling might have a negative impact on your life?

This short quiz by CAMH will help you understand if gambling is harming your life and where to get help:

http://www.problemgambling.ca/gambling-help/PGSIscreener/Registration.aspx

Tips for safer gambling

If you gamble, here are tips to help you play safe and lower your risk of gambling harm:

• if you gamble, only do it for entertainment
• avoid gambling when upset, stressed or in recovery
• only bet with money you set aside for entertainment
• never borrow money to gamble
• set a dollar limit as well as a time limit each time you gamble and stick to these limits
• many tools are available to help
• learn how the game works before you bet, such as the rules and odds
• expect to lose, and treat the money you lose as the cost of entertainment
• avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances
• break often
• step outside or have something to eat
• don’t chase losses
• avoid thinking of gambling as a way to win money, everyone loses over time

• balance gambling with other hobbies and activities
• know where to access help

Why do people gamble? 

Gambling is a popular form of leisure activity, as most adults engage in gambling at least once in their life. While most people gamble occasionally or not at all, some people gamble more frequently.

Research shows that the main motivation of all gamblers is the desire and hope to win money or something of value. People also gamble as a form of amusement and excitement, to socialize, and to support worthy causes. Gambling can also be a coping mechanism or an emotional escape, which is a common trend amongst people who experience problem gambling habits.

Self-help tools

• Self-Help Tools
  • online tool and mobile app to keep track of gambling and urges
  • interactive tools to help you cut down or stop gambling
  • quiz to help understand the impact gambling is having on your life
  • community forum
  • self-help interactive exercises for family and friends
  • guides and handbooks for individuals, families, and organizations

Responsible Gambling Council

• Cost2Play Calculator
  • online tool and mobile app to keep play safer by showing gambling spending

OLG

• Self-exclusion Program
  • voluntary program that helps you to take a break from gambling

 Where to get help

Below is a list of professional services and tools available to support you:

• ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 to find local mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services, available 24/7

• Gambler Anonymous - North Bay: 705-497-6431 for more information about the support group for gambling addictions