For most, gambling is a recreational activity that is done for entertainment and social purposes. We realize this is not the case for all, and that for some individuals gambling can become uncontrollable and no longer be a choice. As a result, we are committed to not only supporting responsible gaming by training and educating our staff members, but also by making resources available to any patrons who believe their gambling habits are exceeding a healthy threshold.
How do I gamble responsibly?
Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help the individual decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling. Most compulsive gamblers will answer ‘yes’ to at least 7 of these questions:
- Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Did gambling affect your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
- Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing, did you feel that you had to return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
- After a win, did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
- Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling?
- Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
- Did gambling make you careless about the welfare of your family?
- Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
- Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Do I have a gambling problem?
Problem gambling is gambling to a degree that compromises, disrupts or damages family, personal or recreational pursuits. A problem gambler is typically described as someone who has spent more money and/or time gambling than they can afford.
- Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford.
- Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling.
- Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
- Losing interest in your usual activities or hobbies, like going out with friends or spending time with your family.
- Always thinking or talking about gambling.
- Lying about your gambling or hiding it from other people.
- Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble.
- Gambling until all your money is gone.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to fund your gambling.
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz.
- Neglecting work, university, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling.
- Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous provide confidential telephone support and face-to-face counselling to anyone who is affected by problem gambling.