Problem Gambling - Are You Concerned About Someone?

Is there money being gambled that your family cannot afford to lose?

Is there someone in your family who cannot be trusted with money?

Have you noticed money missing from a bank account or wallet?

Are you worried about the amount of debt that is accumulating?

Has your family member started a second job with no change in finances?

Are bills and credit card payments going unpaid?

Is there lying going on to cover up or deny gambling activities?

In addition to the above is that person moody or preoccupied or secretive about finances?

Is that person gone for long unexplained periods of time?

Has the person distanced himself/herself from responsibilities and interests?

Is the person talking a lot about gambling or money?

Is the person experiencing mood swings or physical ailments?

You will need to have a full accounting of the money spent and money owed. Sometimes gamblers will not be entirely forthcoming about the whole picture and you may need to keep asking if there is any more debt. Debt should include what is owed to friends and relatives as well as to credit cards and lines of credit.

It would be wise to protect your assets. Speak to a financial advisor (we have one at ADSTV) about strategies to deal with any financial crisis. It may be wise for you to change bank accounts, mortgages, or other assets so that the gambler is not able to use money to gamble.

Cash and credit cards are a trigger to gamble. The gambler would be wise to agree to receiving a small allowance daily for expenses and to account for that spending. In addition the gambler should hand over all credit cards and his/her bankcard. These would be temporary measures to give the gambler time to achieve some stability.

Rescuing the gambler by paying off debts, called a "bail out", provides relief but does not solve the gambling problem. In fact, this type of relief can allow the gambler to go out and gamble again.

For casino gamblers there is a process called self-exclusion whereby the gambler signs a contract with the casino agreeing to stay away for 6 months. This can be extended. The gambler is then excluded from all casino/slot venues in the province and will be removed if identified. Trespassing charges are a possibility.

This strategy is helpful only if the gambler is motivated to quit. If you force a family member to self-exclude when he/she is not ready, it may result in that person sneaking into a casino. One must go to the casino/racetrack slot venue in person to self-exclude. If your loved one wishes to self -exclude, it is recommended he/she leave all cash and credit cards at home before going to do this, or that someone accompany him/her. Simply go to the front desk at any casino or racetrack slot venue and make the request to self-exclude.

Please note that self exclusion is not a solution to problem gambling but it can help in some people in recovery. Our counsellors will also accompany clients of our agency when they self-exclude.

Persons who are addicted to internet gambling can purchase Gamblock. This program prevents a personal computer from linking to internet gambling, wagering and betting sites, including links to casinos, horse racing and sports betting sites. After installation it will diagnose and block new gaming sites that have been placed on the Internet after you have bought the program. The cost is $39.95 US and up depending on the program you select.

Obtain Gamblock at www.gamblock.com.  Internet gambling is illegal in Canada.

Family members are often as traumatized or more traumatized than the gambler. They often feel betrayed and angry and helpless. It is important to remember that problem gambling has a ripple effect. Family members can attend for supportive counselling whether the gambler is making change or not.

If you are concerned about an older family member who is gambling we can help. Our agency is funded for specialized assistance for seniors and their concerned family members.

It is important to not label the gambler as an addict. Simply address the behavior and the consequences of the behavior when approaching the person about getting some help.