Addiction Services

Gambling

What Is Problem Gambling?

Statistics Canada defines a problem gambler as someone who has experienced negative consequences of gambling and who gambles more than five times a year. The reality is that problem gambling is a very personal thing — and only you can determine if you have a problem or not. It doesn't matter how much money you lose, or how often you gamble. If gambling is creating harm in your life or the lives of those around you, it's a problem.

Are You at Risk?

Nobody really knows how or why someone develops a gambling problem. Many Nova Scotians participate in gambling without ever having problems; others find it causes harm in their lives. The problem can happen very quickly, or build up slowly over time.

These signs may help you determine if you are already at risk:

• You participate regularly in continuous electronic forms of gambling, such as VLTs. Why does this put you at risk?
• You often lose more money than you had planned on gambling.
• You lose track of time and gamble longer than you meant to.
• You had a big win.
• You lost a lot and want to win it back.

These are just a few of the Yellow Flag warning signs that your gambling is going from being entertainment to a problem. You can find out more about these signs, what they mean, and how to deal with them on the Yellow Flag site.

Would you like to understand your gambling better, and make a plan to get back in control? Download Winning Within, A Self-Help Guide to Changing Gambling Behaviours.