What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling is any gambling behaviour that is causing trouble in your life or the lives of people close to you (like parents, brothers and sisters, or friends). If your gambling is causing you to miss school or work, have arguments with family or friends, or worry about money you have lost, it is considered to be problem gambling.
Is gambling a problem for most people?
No. Most people gamble responsibly, with no harm done. But for some, gambling becomes a very important part of their lives and it does become a problem. Gambling problems can range from minor to quite serious. Gambling can cause occasional problems like making it hard to pay the utility bill, the rent or a credit card bill. In some cases, these problems get bigger and more serious, leading to excessive debt, problems with friends and family, and even illegal activity.
What are some characteristics of problem gamblers?
- more likely to be male than female
- usually bet larger amounts on all forms of gambling
- gamble more often
- spend more time per gambling session
- more likely to have been in trouble with the police
- more likely to say they have been rejected by family members
Who is most likely to develop gambling problems?
It’s impossible to predict who will develop gambling problems. Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem. Problem gamblers can be wealthy or poor, young or old, male or female; there is just no way of telling in advance. Plus, many people gamble without ever having a problem. They buy a lottery or raffle ticket, go to the racetrack or an evening of bingo, and drop the occasional loonie into a VLT. When the raffle or the game is over, they go on to other non-gambling activities.
Do some teenagers develop problems with gambling?
Yes. A survey done in Alberta in 2005 showed that 2.4% of students in grades 7 to 12 were problem gamblers, and that another 5.9% were at risk of developing gambling problems. Research shows that people who start gambling at a very early age may be more likely to develop gambling problems.
What are some types of behaviour seen in problem gamblers?
There are several, but remember: not every gambler is a problem gambler, and not every problem gambler will show all these types of behaviour.
- Someone with a gambling problem may be secretive or defensive about money, and may borrow money from family members or friends.
- The problem gambler may pin their hopes on the big win. They believe the big win, rather than changing their gambling behaviour, will solve financial or other problems.
- The problem gambler may promise to cut back on gambling, but they may find themselves unable to reduce or stop gambling. They often return the next day or a few days later to try and win their money back.
- The problem gambler may feel frequent highs and lows.
- If unable to gamble, the problem gambler misses the thrill of the action and may be bad-tempered, withdrawn, depressed or restless.
- The problem gambler loves to relive wins but will make light of losses when others say they’re concerned. Wins and losses may also be kept a secret.
- The problem gambler may prefer gambling to spending time with friends, and may miss special family occasions.
How does someone know if they have a problem with gambling?
We can't tell in advance if someone is going to develop a problem, but there are warning signs. Some of these signs can come in the early stages of a problem, and some may show up later on:
- spending more time or money on gambling than you meant to
- trying to win back money you’ve lost
- feeling badly about the way you gamble or about what happens when you gamble
- hearing from others that they’re worried about your gambling
- telling others that you’re winning money from betting when you really aren’t
- wanting to quit gambling, but thinking you might not be able to
- hiding your gambling from friends, family or others
- skipping school or work to gamble
- borrowing or stealing money for gambling
If you’re concerned that you or someone you care about might have a gambling problem, we’re here to help. AADAC Youth Services are available in communities across Alberta. Our services are free and confidential.
Contact your local AADAC office or call the AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC.
