Problem Gambling
If you have a gambling problem, you should know the risks associated with each type of game. And even if you don't have a gambling problem, or aren't sure, you should know these risks too. Get the facts so you can make an informed decision.
Hear real-life stories from recovered problem gamblers:
It is a fact that some games create gambling problems faster and among more people than others. Here's a breakdown of risk statistics:
Very dangerous, as are most forms of Continuous Electronic Gambling - games that allow people to keep gambling for prolonged, uninterrupted periods.
These games are often thought of to be safe, but look at the figures below, especially for regular players.
Yes, that old favorite. The one that people say, "Oh, that's not really gambling, that's just for fun." Well, it's not fun for everyone. Problem gambling for Bingo arises in .
Popular enough to cause some problems. They occur in .
In just six months from its launch, people started reporting gambling problems. In fact, in those six months, the percentage of players reporting problems was 3 times higher than for any other lottery ticket. Keno is no longer available in Nova Scotia, it has been replaced with the new daily draw Bucko.
The risk is lower with lottery tickets that are not daily draws.
The reason Scratch n' Win tickets have a higher risk is than weekly draw tickets is because the result, win or lose, is more immediate. Therefore it is easier to get caught up in the excitement and buy more tickets than you budgeted for.
These risks may increase in Nova Scotia as more people try out playing these products on-line from home. Usually, the easier it is to play, the easier it is to over-spend and experience problems.
A newer, but fast-growing industry. Early data suggests that online gambling will approach VLTs for percentage of players with gambling problems.
Problems can start innocently enough. For example, buying lottery tickets on-line or, many people try out a "practice site". These sites have inflated odds so you'll win more often, tempting you to play for real money on pay sites where the odds are not in your favor.
Very much in fashion now thanks to TV shows, computer and on-line games.