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Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling
Most people who are concerned about gambling will speak to their family physician or other health care provider. Others may not identify gambling as a concern but will present with stress related health complaints.
Hear real-life stories from recovered problem gamblers:
If you suspect gambling could be an issue ask questions. We recommend the following:
If they answer yes to any of these questions, it is a good idea to encourage them to learn more about the risks of gambling. Suggesting that they speak to a professional at Addiction Services can also help.
For more signs of problem gambling click here (this would take you to the list of signs in the problem gambling section). We have many print materials that you can give your patient. You should also give them the URL to this website and the phone number of the Problem Gambling Help Line. Even better, make the call together.
Dorothy is 67 years old and has never had a history of substance misuse. She would have never considered gambling to be a concern in her life.Her first gambling experience was being introduced to the local casino by friends. She had a wonderful time and began to go on a fairly regular basis. She enjoyed the excitement, the staff were friendly and she felt safe. The player rewards points allowed her treat her friends and families to dinners and shows, making it feel as though she was getting good value for her entertainment dollar. As her play increased, she started to have problems covering her expenses. This led her to use her credit cards to pay for many of her living expenses. It was not long before she was facing a tremendous amount of debt.
She remembers winning big before so she keeps playing in the hopes of winning the money she needs. She is ashamed and feels guilty. As a result she begins to avoid her family.
David is 40 years old. He plays the VLTs at the neighborhood restaurants. When he first started to gamble, he would only play during pay week as a way to relax. Now he plays almost every night after work. He always sets a budget before he plays but usually overspends. The family's budget was tight before his gambling had increased, now they are barely making ends meet. They are in a cycle of debt and have faced situations where they had to borrow money from a family member to pay for groceries.
He is constantly fighting with his spouse over money and their children are afraid that they are going to separate.
Helen is 50 years old and lives in rural Nova Scotia. She has been playing scratch tickets for years and spends $100 to $200 a week. She started to go to bingo once a week with her mother to keep her company. She spends $50 each time they go.
She has difficulty paying monthly bills but does not view her gambling as a problem.
Matt is 21 years old. When growing up, he would play the occasional scratch ticket - usually a gift from a family member. Playing cards, including poker, has always been a favorite family past time. The stakes were always low, usually pennies, and the games fun. He got a fake ID at 18 and started going to the bars. On night he tried the VLT and soon became a regular player, playing every time he went out. Now when he goes out, he leaves his friends to play. He will often end up at the local casino, playing until the early morning. More and more of his money goes towards gambling.
He still lives at home. He and his parents are not getting along and they worry about his lack of direction. He dropped out of college and is working. He has been in trouble before for not showing up to shifts after nights of being out late gambling. His boss has given him a warning, next time he is late he will be fired.
Alex is 17 years old. He is an excellent student, is involved in school sports and has a part-time job. Despite the penalty of suspension from the team if caught, he and other team mates and students are involved in betting on school games. He also plays poker with friends and has started to play on the free gambling websites. Alex enjoys the on-line gambling and has been thinking about trying to play on a pay site. His parents are aware of the fact that he plays poker and are not concerned. They like the fact that he is at home where they can keep an eye on things. They do not realize that Alex and his friends are using money and not poker chips.
Alex views his activity as not being a "big deal" although he has been in fights before with friends over owing money. Unbeknownst to his parents, he has sold his belongings before to pay off debt.