There are many signs that someone may have a gambling problem. For example,
you can tell that someone's gambling is getting out of control if they:
- spend large amounts of time gambling
- begin to place larger bets and bet more often
- have growing debts
- promise to cut back on gambling but can't seem to do it
- refuse to explain their behaviour or lie about it;
- feel frequent highs and lows
- boast about winning
- prefer gambling to family occasions
- look for new places to gamble close to home and away, like on vacation
- pin their hopes on the "big win". The problem gambler believes
the big win will solve financial or other problems.
Where can I get help?
Treatment services in Canada can be found on the Canadian Centre on Substance
Abuse web site. You can also contact these toll-free lines:
Alberta
Gambling Helpline
1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only)
British Columbia
Problem Gambling Information and Referral Service
(604) 875-6381; 1-888-795-6111
Manitoba
Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline
(204) 944-6382; 1-800-463-1554
New Brunswick
Problem Gambling Helpline
1 -800-461-1234
Nova Scotia
Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-347-8888; 1-888-347-3331 (hearing impaired)
Ontario
Ontario
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-230-3505
Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling (CFCG)
1-888-391-1111
Donwood Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-647-4414
Quebec
Gambling: Help and Referral
1-800-461-0140; 1-866-767-5389
Saskatchewan
Problem Gambling Help Line
1-800-306-6789
Additional resources
Problem Gambling: the ABCs – Alberta Alcohol and Drug
Abuse Commission
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