Problem Gambling

Most gamblers are in the game to win some, lose some, and still remain satisfied without obsessing about It all the time. However, a small percentage of around 3.2% of Canadian gamblers do have problems, according to the Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario. This translates to over a million people. The institute points out that the longer people gamble the more likely it is that they will lose. Many are of the notion that they can beat the system and come out a winner no matter how deep the may be in their gambling problem and even debt.

A majority of the 3.2% are in the younger age group of 15 to 24 years, which is a major concern itself. While Canadian online casinos take precautions to prevent underage gambling there are some smart enough to circumvent procedures and since no system is fool proof they are able to start gambling. And the problem extends well beyond to family, friends, the workplace and society, who become unsuspecting victims when the concerned addict shirks his or her duties and starts to use money that may not belong to them to fuel their gambling habit.

What is problem gambling?

For the most part, problem gambling is when gambling is no longer a form of entertainment and becomes a compulsion. This could lead to financial loses, longer hours at a land-based or online casino and can even the individual to become a recluse. Losses that are unbearable could turn a gambler to illegal activities such as theft and embezzlement and often steal from their loved ones and friends.

If you or someone you know is trapped in such a situation our experts at Casino Listings recommend that you seek immediate help and treatment if it is recommended. However, it is important to be able to identify if someone you know has a problem with gambling. The first thing is to be open to the idea that gambling crosses all demographics and can affect anyone. It doesn’t matter if the individual has plenty of money or lives from pay check to pay check, there will come a time when they reach a point when the need help or see their situation spiral out of control if they do not. Some of the first signs are aloofness, depression, changes in sleep, eating or sex patterns, conflicts over money with others, self neglect, cheating, and neglecting responsibilities. Frequently borrowing money or asking for advances, a dip in savings accounts, and valuables disappearing from family members, are all signs that there could be financial trouble.

Seek help from professional organisations

Fortunately, Canada has a number of support programs to assist problem gamblers who ought to never shun from seeking their help. Seeking assistance is better than getting into trouble with the law and destroying family and personal relationships. One of the best resources for Canadians is the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) that is dedicated to helping individuals with serious gambling problems and helping others avoid reaching that state. They coordinate programs between those addicted to gambling and land-based and online casinos, and regulatory and legislative bodies, as well as professional groups like Gamblers Anonymous.

Other resources include the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse that actively participates in programs to help gambling which can be just as addictive as a drug. You will find them at www.ccsa.ca.

Gamblers Anonymous is also dedicated to helping those addicted to land-based and online gambling. They have an extensive support network to help individuals talk about and deal with the problem. For more information visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.

Problem Gambling Helpline can be reached via their site at www.problemgamblinghelpline.ca. They have several regional centres that offer problem gambling assistance. The institution is based in London, Ontario and can be contacted toll-free 1-888-230-3505.

KnowYourLimit.ca is a site run by the government of Ontario and is a good resource to find assistance for gambling problems.

Gamblers Anonymous Montreal host regular meetings and can be contacted for help at (514)484-6666.

Casino Listings also suggests that you visit http://www.responsiblegambling.org for its wide range of resources.