Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Most people who gamble do so responsibly. But for some, gambling becomes damaging. According to provincial studies, problem gambling rates are generally about 1% of the population. In New Brunswick the prevalence rate is 1.0%, in Prince Edward Island, it’s 0.9%, and in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s 0.7%.

Gambling requires time, money and energy. If these resources are spent at the expense of other things, such as personal relationships, family, employment, academics or financial commitments, it’s a problem.

Know the Warning Signs

Spending more time or money than intended
Arguing about gambling with friends and family
Having the urge to return as soon as possible to win back losses
Feeling guilt or remorse about gambling
Borrowing money or selling assets to gamble
Considering illegal mean of obtaining money to gamble
Missing work to gamble
Hiding the extent of your gambling activity

Evaluating your playing habits from time to time to ensure gambling remains fun and safe is a good idea. There are many different self-assessment tools available to help. These tools are not intended to diagnose problem gambling but they can help identify high-risk behaviour.
The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) self-assessment tool can help offer insights into your behaviour

If you’d like to know how things look, just answer the questions below and click the "Assess my Gambling Behaviour" button.

Thinking about the past twelve months:

1.
Have you bet more than you really could afford to lose?

Your answer ()

It is important to set a spending limit and stick to it when gambling.
2.
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?

Your answer ()

Spending more and more money on gambling to reach the same feeling of excitement is a warning sign of problem gambling.
3.
When you gambled, did you go back another day to try and win back the money you lost?

Your answer ()

You should never chase your losses when gambling. Your losses should be seen as the cost of entertainment. In the end, the house always wins. Therefore, the more you gamble, the greater your chances of losing.
4.
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?

Your answer ()

You should never gamble with money that is borrowed or needed for other expenses, such as rent or bill payments. Only gamble with money that is out of your entertainment budget and you can afford to lose.
5.
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?

Your answer ()

If you feel that you may be experiencing problems with your gambling behaviour, it is important to seek help. Please see the section on available resources on the alc.ca/play responsibly website or other online resources.
6.
Have people criticized your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem, regardless of whether or not you thought it was true?

Your answer ()

Problem gambling often affects loved ones as well as the player. Sometimes friends and family can detect a gambling problem before the gambler recognizes it personally.
7.
Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble, or what happens when you gamble?

Your answer ()

It is common for a problem gambler to experience guilt due to the negative consequences of their gambling behaviour, such as financial losses, time lost from work or family events, etc.
8.
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?

Your answer ()

Problem gambling can trigger a wide variety of health-related problems, such as depression and anxiety.
9.
Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?

Your answer ()

It is important to gamble within a limit, not with money needed for day-to-day living or other financial obligations

Assess your Gambling Behaviour

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Know the Warning Signs

Thinking about the past twelve months:

Are you a winner?

Giving Back

Did you know 100% of the profits go back into the community?

About Atlantic Lottery

PlayWise

Assess your Gambling Behaviour

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Know the Warning Signs

Thinking about the past twelve months:

Gambling Support Resources

Are you a winner?

Giving Back

Did you know 100% of the profits go back into the community?

About Atlantic Lottery

PlayWise

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