Responsible Gambling Canada

Posted by Arthur Crowson .

Gambling addiction has been around as long as gambling itself. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified it as a disorder, making it an internationally recognized condition.

Since then, medical professionals and therapists have worked to educate both gamblers and gaming operators about the causes and impacts of gambling addiction. They’ve also developed strategies to help prevent it and reduce its effects on individuals and communities.

At GambleOnline.ca, we’re dedicated to promoting responsible gaming. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to stay informed and protect yourself.

The Concept of Responsible Gambling

Responsible gaming is important in both land-based and online casino communities. It focuses on creating a fair and safe environment for players while offering tools to help gamblers stay in control of their habits. Casinos that support responsible gaming ensure fair play and provide access to resources like self-exclusion programs and panic button tools for those who need them.

The World Health Organization recognizes gambling addiction as a medical condition. For some gamblers, betting becomes a compulsive behavior. Once they experience the thrill and adrenaline of gambling, it’s difficult for them to step away. This can lead to serious consequences, affecting their finances, relationships, and mental well-being.

Many people struggling with compulsive gambling face these challenges every day. Raising awareness is crucial, and understanding the signs of problem gambling can help both those affected and those around them to take action and find ways to manage these compulsions.

Facts About Individuals With Problematic Gambling Behaviour

Over the years, researchers and pathologists have developed a clearer understanding of the traits often associated with compulsive gamblers. While gambling addiction can affect anyone—some billionaires have even lost their fortunes to it—there are certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing problem gambling behavior.

  • Pathological Gambling Prevalence: Pathological gamblers are individuals who struggle to control their gambling urges, often facing serious personal, financial, and emotional consequences as a result. Research by Calado and Griffiths estimates that the prevalence of pathological gambling ranges from 0.1% to 6%, depending on the country and demographic group.
  • Problem Gambling: Problem gamblers exhibit gambling behaviors that are less severe than those of pathological gamblers but still carry significant risks. While they manage to control their gambling most of the time, they remain at a higher risk of developing more serious issues. According to the same researchers, the number of problem gamblers is estimated to be two to three times higher than that of pathological gamblers.
  • At-Risk Groups: Certain groups are more vulnerable to developing gambling addictions. Across different regions and cultures, males, young adults, individuals with low incomes, and those who are unmarried face a higher risk. Additional factors include unemployment, limited access to formal education, and living in areas with high levels of deprivation. Indigenous populations and some ethnic minority groups are also disproportionately affected.
  • Mental Health Disorders: Research from 2005 and 2016 shows a strong link between gambling addiction—both pathological and problem gambling—and other mental health conditions. This connection is especially pronounced with substance abuse disorders. Gambling addiction also frequently overlaps with mood disorders, anxiety, and personality disorders.
  • High Relapse Rates: A history of gambling addiction significantly increases the likelihood of falling back into compulsive gambling. Studies reveal that among current problem gamblers, half to two-thirds developed their gambling issues within the past year. Of these “new” problem gamblers, one-third to two-thirds had previously struggled with gambling addiction.
  • Gaming Disorder as a Mental Illness: On May 25, 2019, during the 72nd World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization officially recognized gaming disorder as a medical condition. This declaration reflects a global consensus among scientists and therapists that gaming disorder is a legitimate mental health issue.

What Factors Cause Problem Gambling

Gambling addiction doesn’t stem from a single cause. Like other forms of addiction, it’s influenced by various risk factors that make some people more vulnerable than others. Over decades of research, experts have identified several key factors that increase the likelihood of problem gambling:

  • Gender: Across most regions, men are statistically more likely to develop a gambling addiction than women, with only a few exceptions in certain European countries. The reasons for this may include societal attitudes toward risk-taking and biological factors like higher testosterone levels.
  • Age: Individuals between 18 and 25 are at a higher risk of developing problem gambling behaviors. This is partly due to the fact that the brain isn’t fully developed until around age 25, which can make younger adults more prone to impulsive decisions.
  • Mental Health Disorders: People with mental health conditions such as OCD or ADHD are more likely to engage in addictive behaviors, including gambling. Additionally, those with bipolar disorder are particularly vulnerable to gambling during manic phases.
  • Existing Addictions: Individuals who struggle with addictions to alcohol, drugs, or other substances are at a higher risk of developing compulsive gambling behaviors. Research also indicates that gambling addiction often overlaps with other addictive behaviors, such as video game or shopping addiction.
  • Influence of Environment: A person’s surroundings can play a significant role in gambling addiction. For example, people living in high-deprivation neighborhoods are more likely to develop gambling problems. Additionally, children and spouses of gambling addicts are statistically more prone to becoming compulsive gamblers themselves.
  • Personality Traits: Certain personality traits can increase the likelihood of gambling addiction. Competitive, impulsive, or workaholic individuals, as well as those drawn to risk-taking, are more likely to engage in problem gambling behaviors.

How to Identify Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

Most casual gamblers know when to stop, often setting limits on how much they’re willing to lose with a fixed bankroll, a loss limit, or a specific win goal. However, compulsive gamblers struggle to establish or stick to these boundaries, and over time, their behavior can become more destructive. Here are some signs that someone you care about might be struggling with a gambling problem:

  • Preoccupation with Gambling: Frequently thinking about gambling, planning their next session, or figuring out ways to get money for gambling.
  • Using Gambling as an Escape: Turning to gambling to avoid dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of guilt or helplessness.
  • Increasing Stakes: Betting larger amounts of money to feel the same excitement they once got from smaller wagers.
  • Chasing Losses: Trying to recover money they’ve lost by continuing to gamble, often leading to even greater losses.
  • Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying to stop or cut back on gambling but being unable to do so.
  • Lying About Gambling: Hiding the extent of their gambling from family and friends or being dishonest about how much they’ve spent or lost.
  • Restlessness Without Gambling: Feeling irritable, anxious, or unsettled when they’re not gambling.
  • Financial Bailouts: Asking loved ones for money to cover gambling debts or other financial troubles caused by gambling.

How to Overcome Problem Gambling

Whether you’re struggling with gambling addiction yourself or supporting someone who is, recovery requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. Understanding how others have successfully tackled gambling addiction can provide valuable guidance.

How Gambling Addicts Can Begin to Heal

  • Face Denial: It’s common to deny a gambling problem at first, but acknowledging it can ease the emotional burden and set the stage for change. If you’re addressing a loved one’s addiction, be prepared for initial denial, but remain patient.
  • Move Toward Acceptance: Acceptance is a crucial step toward recovery. For those helping a gambling addict, focus on fostering a breakthrough moment where they acknowledge the issue. Use empathy and patience to encourage them to open up.
  • Seek Support: A gambling addict should reach out for help, whether through a trusted helpline, hotline, or a professional therapist. External support is a vital part of the recovery process.
  • Take Concrete Steps: Therapy and counseling can be incredibly effective. For those unable to afford professional therapy, joining support groups like Gamblers Anonymous can provide structure, community, and accountability on the path to recovery.

How to Help Someone Struggling with Gambling Addiction

  • Protect Yourself First: Before confronting a gambling addict, ensure your safety. If there’s any risk of harm, consider involving others for a group intervention or seeking professional advice on how to proceed.
  • Encourage Them to Seek Support: Suggest that they start by talking to a helpline or counselor. It’s often easier for someone to open up to a neutral party. Once they’re ready, involve close family and friends to provide additional support.
  • Develop a Financial Plan: Work together to create a strategy for managing their finances. This might include having a trusted person oversee their money, limiting access to cash, and restricting online payment methods. A clear financial plan can help reduce feelings of hopelessness and give them a sense of control.
  • Be Ready for Setbacks: Recovery isn’t always smooth. Gambling addicts may resist change, manipulate situations, or lash out in frustration. Be patient and prepared for ups and downs, and seek professional guidance if challenges arise.

Test if You’re Addicted to Gambling

Gamblers Anonymous offers a 20-question test designed to identify signs of gambling addiction. If the person you’re confronting denies there’s a problem, encourage them to take the test to help assess their situation. If mentioning Gamblers Anonymous seems to upset them, consider printing out the questions instead to avoid triggering a negative reaction.

Canadian Hotlines for Problem Gambling

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling in Canada, there are several confidential helplines available to provide support and guidance. Here are some resources you can reach out to:

PROVINCE HOTLINE NUMBER
Nova Scotia 1-888-429-8167
Alberta 1-866-332-2322
British Columbia 1-888-795-6111
Manitoba 1-800-463-1554
New Brunswick 1-800-461-1234
Newfoundland and Labrador 1-888-899-4357
Northwest Territories 1-800-661-0844
Nunavut 1-800-265-3333
Ontario 1-866-531-2600
Prince Edward Island 1-855-255-4255
Quebec 1-800-461-0140
Saskatchewan 1-800-306-6789
Yukon 1-866-456-3838

These helplines offer free, confidential support and can connect you with local resources to assist with problem gambling.

Additionally, organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council provide information and support for individuals affected by problem gambling.

Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous step toward recovery, and these resources are here to support you.

Conclusion

Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment—something fun, exciting, and enjoyable. It’s not a way to earn a paycheck or escape from life’s challenges. Gambling should also never involve anyone under the age of 18. The heart of responsible gambling is understanding that losses are simply the cost of entertainment and should never impact your daily life or well-being.

If you think you or someone you care about might be struggling with problem gambling, it’s important to seek help. Start by learning the risk factors and warning signs of gambling addiction, and then take steps toward finding support and recovery. Gambling should never stand in the way of living a fulfilling life.

At Gamble Online, our mission is to connect players with the best online gambling sites while promoting responsible play. If you need assistance, explore the resources available for gambling addiction support and take the first step toward positive change.

Casino of the Month February 2025

HellSpin
5.0
Welcome Bonus
100% up to $5200
Min Deposit: $25
Payout Speed: Instant-5 days

Arthur Crowson

Arthur Crowson writes for GambleOnline.ca about the gambling industry. His experience ranges from crypto and technology to sports, casinos, and poker. He went to Douglas College and started his journalism career at the Merritt Herald as a general beat reporter covering news, sports and community. Arthur lives in Hawaii and is passionate about writing, editing, and photography.

Back To Top
Back To Top