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If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please contact the 24-hour crisis line at 1-888-899-4357(HELP). What is gambling? For many people, gambling is something they do occasionally, as a form of recreation. They play bingo, buy a lottery ticket, bet a few dollars on a horse, or drop a loonie into a machine. When the draw or the game is over, they move on to other non-gambling activities. What is problem gambling? For some people, gambling becomes a problem. Problem gamblers play and continue to play games of chance. They gamble longer than intended with more money than intended. It does not matter if they are winning or losing. All that matters is the action. The action begins with thinking about gambling, the gambling event and the win or lose result. Some people are unable to control the urge to gamble. They crave and become dependent upon the action which provides excitement and an escape from reality. They chase their losses with more bets and soon debts grow. Problem gambling can make life very difficult. Besides creating money problems, problem gambling can cause trouble in the family and at work. For the problem gambler, it can cause trouble with the law, as well with one’s mental and physical health. What are some signs of a gambling problem? Spends large amounts of time gambling. This allows little time for family, friends, or hobbies. Begins to place larger, more frequent bets. Larger bets are necessary to get the same level of excitement. Has growing debts. The person with a gambling problem is secretive or defensive about money, and may borrow money from employers, family members, or friends. Pins hope on the big win. The problem gambler believes the big win, rather than changing the gambling behaviour, will solve financial or other problems. Promises to cut back on gambling. The problem gambler is unable to reduce or stop gambling. Refuses to explain behaviour, or lies about it. The person with a gambling problem may be away from home or work for long periods of time, or may make an unusually high number of telephone calls. Feels frequent highs and lows. If unable to gamble, the problem gambler misses the excitement created by the action and may be bad tempered, withdrawn, depressed, or restless. During a winning streak, the gambler is on a high. Boasts about winning. The person with a gambling problem loves to relive a win but will make light of losses when others express their concern. Wins and losses may also be kept a secret. Prefers gambling to a special family occasion. The problem gambler may arrive late or miss family events such as birthdays, school activities and other family gatherings. Seeks new places to gamble close to home and away. The problem gambler may insist that evenings out or even family vacations be at places where gambling available. How can you prevent problem gambling? Keep a balanced life. Set a limit on the amount of time you spend on gambling, and on the size of your bets. If you go over your limits often, help is needed. Gambling often takes place alone. So get involved with other people, take an evening class, join a club or become a volunteer. Use gambling money for other things. Start a hobby, save for a vacation or treat the kids to a movie. Get informed about gambling. Read books and share the information with others. Could you or someone you know be a problem gambler? There is no typical gambler. Anyone can have a problem with gambling. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s gambling behaviour, help is available. Counselling provides information, awareness and support for your efforts to regain control and change your life. The following services are available for problem gamblers:
The following services are available for those who may have been affected by another person’s gambling:
If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please contact the 24-hour crisis line at 1-888-899-4357(HELP). If you need further information or help with a gambling problem, contact your nearest Addictions Service office to discuss your concerns. Addictions Services Offices
Eastern Regional Integrated Health Authority
Central Regional Integrated Health Authority
Western Regional Integrated Health Authority
Labrador – Grenfell Regional Integrated Health Authority
All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
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