If you’ve ever experienced the thrill of placing a bet, you may have felt a rush of hope as you anticipated your big payout. Maybe you daydreamed of spending the money you hadn’t yet won, planning what you would do with the winnings. But you probably didn’t win; you probably lost it all. And yet you still thought, “One more time.”
Anyone can experience hardship from gambling, and it can look different for each person. For some people, it isn’t just about feeling defeated or losing money, it’s about having trouble stopping, then spending more than they can afford. Gambling may negatively impact physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances or relationships. For others, it can mean gambling in many forms, maxing out credit cards, borrowing money or neglecting family, work or school obligations. These behaviours can all lead to feelings of regret, isolation or even depression. It can be very lonely and hard to open up to others about the problem, or even to recognize it in yourself or someone you know.
The truth is that the shift from gambling for fun to having a gambling problem is different for everyone. If you or someone you know is starting to make poor choices or feeling unhappy because of their gambling, it’s helpful to recognize the signs. People experiencing a problem may be anxious when they’re not gambling, think about it frequently and feel the need to bet more, more often. They may feel ashamed about their gambling habits, like spending more than they’ve allotted or disconnecting from their family and friends. And like any addiction, stigma and a lack of education about the problem can prevent people from seeking help. However, anyone can experience harm and need support.
It’s important for people struggling with gambling habits to know that they’re not alone and help is available. But changing any behaviour, including how you gamble, is never easy. There are steps you can take to make a change and increase your chances of success at overcoming gambling harm. A great way to start is to understand safer play by taking the Gambling Self-Assessment Quiz. The Responsible Gambling Council website is a comprehensive resource to find free, confidential support either in person or online. It includes information to help you find counselling, connect with people who are going through the same thing or navigate speaking with someone in your life who may be experiencing issues with gambling.
We know the first step towards change is often the hardest, but if you’re questioning your own or a loved one’s gambling, know that there’s help available. You’re not alone.
Click here to take the Gambling Self-Assessment Quiz.