Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Canada

The gambling phenomenon has redefined recreational entertainment in Canada, but it also comes with the challenge of rising gambling addiction. As of January 2024, Canada’s gambling industry had a market size of 14.2 billion U.S. dollars. As such, March is dedicated to the month-long event of Problem Gambling Awareness Month to educate the masses on gambling addiction, treatment, and recovery services.

Understanding Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Making reasonable judgements begins with understanding gambling addiction. Also known as compulsive, pathological, or problem gambling, this chaotic disease distorts one’s ability to control their gambling urges. The compulsion persists even at the expense of their finances, relationships, and mental health.

Gambling addiction is a slippery slope mainly associated with the lack of impulse control. Despite their situation, problem gamblers are always down to bet, whether loaded or broke, and keep at it even with the odds against their favour. Other symptoms associated with the disorder are:

• Frequent thoughts about gambling, even when engaging in other activities;
• Pursuing the excitement of previous sessions with increasing bet amounts;
• Resorting to gambling as a way to deal with stress and negative emotions;
• Unease and agitation at the thought of cutting back or giving up the habit;
• Several failed attempts at quitting gambling;
• Chasing losses to get even for previous losses;
• Failing to stick to set deposit, stake, and time limits;
• Being secretive about gambling to hide the extent of the addiction;
• Borrowing money or resorting to illegal activities like fraud and theft to support the habit;
• Recurring issues at work, school, and home as they avoid responsibilities and relationships trying to chase the betting high.

The Importance of Awareness

It is impossible to prevent or fix what you do not understand. Taking the time to learn about gambling addiction helps to establish prevention measures. Organizations like the Canadian Center on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) fuel public awareness on how to gamble responsibly. The body recommends gambling no more than 1% of the gross household income, less than four days monthly, and up to two game types. Other recommended strategies include:

• Understanding and accepting the odds: The house always wins, meaning the games are built to lose more than win. Studying the different games available provides insight into how much of an upper hand the casino has and which bets are the best to place.
• Treating Gambling as Entertainment: Considering the low winning odds, gambling cannot be considered an income source. Rather, it should be seen as paid amusement, similar to buying a movie ticket.
• Considering the reasons for gambling: Gambling should be a highlight for exciting times rather than an escape from real-world problems like stress, anxiety, and depression. Healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, meditation, and therapy ensure one only sees the activity as entertainment.
• Save Winnings: While challenging, getting the upper hand on the house is not impossible. When this happens, save your profits after reaching your spending limit rather than chasing bigger wins that will likely not come.

Resources and Support

Several organizations in Canada offer a range of resources and services to help those impacted by gambling addiction. You can find answers to common questions, perform risk assessments, and get information on treatment from the following platforms:

Efforts towards public awareness of problem gambling prevention and recovery are continuous, even after March. Nevertheless, Problem Gambling Awareness Month shines a spotlight on an activity that can flip from recreational to problematic, helping to reduce its potential harm among Canadians.