Problem Gambling - What Is Gambling?
Gambling is risking something of value when an element of chance is associated with the outcome.
When Choosing To Gamble
Most adults will not develop a problem with gambling. It will simply be a form of recreation. If you are a person who chooses to gamble, we offer the following advice:
| - | Decide ahead of time how much money you plan to spend and stick to it. If necessary, leave additional credit/bank cards at home. |
| - | If you are losing, don't chase your losses (i.e. try to win your money back). |
| - | Balance gambling with other leisure activities. |
| - | Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money. |
| - | Gamble sober. Alcohol changes your perception. |
| - | Gamble only with your money. This should be money you can afford to lose, part of your entertainment budget. |
| - | Take breaks regularly, so you don't get too focused on gambling. |
| - | Go gambling with someone who doesn't have a problem with gambling. |
| - | Hope to win, expect to lose. |
Many different types of gambling were problematic for our clients in the past year. For the past several years 68% have consistently reported that slot machines were their primary concern and 12% reported casino card games as their problem. That makes 80% of our clients having difficulty with casino gambling. The rest of our clients report horses, tickets*, sports betting*, internet, video poker, bingo and the stock market as their problems. Hold'em poker is quickly becoming the problematic gambling for youth and young adults particularly males. This game is played on the internet, in informal tournaments, in illegal gambling dens, and at the casino.
*Tickets include lottery, raffle, scratch and Nevada tickets. *Sports betting includes pro-line and bookies. The casino has roulette and craps in addition to card games such as poker and blackjack. Majong and keno are types of gambling. People bet on dog races and fights. In addition there is informal gambling such as sports pools, pool, poker and blackjack games, board games, reality TV betting, dice, golf games, bets and dares. These can also be a problem for people.
Our clients are about 50% male and 50% female. In the past year we have seen a significant increase in older adults (55+) and young adults (under 24) seeking assistance. Slots are the number one problem for adult males and females.
When is gambling a problem?
Gambling is a problem when it:
| • | Makes you feel out of control. |
| • | Harms relationships with family or friends. |
| • | Interferes with work or other responsibilities. |
| • | Affects your physical or emotional health. |
| • | Strains your finances. |
| • | Takes over more and more of your life. |
What is the impact of problem gambling?
Problem gamblers may experience:
| • | Work related difficulties and possible job loss. |
| • | Lowered academic performance or inability to continue their schooling. |
| • | Significant financial loss. |
| • | Higher rates of marital/relationship and family breakdown. |
| • | Headaches, back pain, cardiac problems gastro-intestinal disorders, nutrition problems, intensified chronic pain. |
| • | Depression, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia. |
| • | Suicidal thoughts or attempts. |
| • | Heavy nicotine use, some substance abuse. |
Their family members may experience isolation, financial deprivation, emotional trauma, emotional abuse and a sense of betrayal and a feeling of not being safe. Please see section on Concerned Others.
If you or someone you know has a concern about gambling, please call our confidential gambling intake line (519) 673-3242 ext. 234 or click helliott@adstv.on.ca to e-mail our gambling intake worker. Feel free to contact us by email to learn about our current groups.
