If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your (or someone else’s) life then the following questions may help you to find out:
- Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
- When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
- Do you gamble until your last penny is gone- even the fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
- Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
- Have you lost interest in your family, friends, or hobbies because of your gambling?
- After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
- Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
- Do you feel depressed or feel that you are likely to harm yourself because of your gambling?
The more you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, the more likely you are to have a serious gambling problem.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem we advise that you consider assistance from one of these recognized organizations:
Connex Ontario:
Website: https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Gamblers Anonymous:
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Gambling Therapy:
Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
We recommend Gamblers Anonymous and Gambling Therapy who offer a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling. They have e-mail and live chat support 24/7.
As they operate across a number of different countries and regions, you may also want to consult their list of local organizations: