Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means enjoying casino games and betting as a form of entertainment, while maintaining control over the time and money spent. It is about making informed choices and playing within your means.

Why is responsible gambling important? Whilst most people can gamble for fun without a problem, for some people it can lead to serious issues affecting their finances, relationships and mental health. The aim of this guide from OnlineCasinoManitoba.com is to help you gamble safely and recognise potential signs of problems.

Statistics on Problem Gambling

Approximately 2% of Canadians aged 15 and older have experienced moderate to severe gambling problems. This represents over 300,000 people across the country. 63% of men and 57% of women report spending money on gambling each month. Men are also more likely to have gambling problems than women. About 3 percent of players from the lowest income households are at moderate or serious risk of gambling problems, compared to 1 per cent from the highest income households.

Manitoba has one of the highest prevalence rates of gambling problems in Canada, with 2.9 percent of the population experiencing moderate or severe gambling problems. The most common gambling behaviours in Canada include buying lottery tickets (52%), playing electronic slot machines (13%), and betting on sports (8%). These statistics suggest that gambling problems affect a large proportion of the population and can impact people across demographic groups.

What Causes Ludomania?

• Biological factors: Our brain is a complex system, and sometimes it fails. Imagine that your brain has little “messengers” — neurotransmitters. When they are in short supply, the brain may start seeking thrills in gambling. Also, some people inherit an increased propensity for addiction from their parents, as if they received a “risky” genetic gift.
• Psychological factors: Our mind sometimes plays tricks on us. For example, after a series of losses, many people believe that a win is about to happen — this is called the “gambler’s fallacy”. And if a person is already suffering from depression or anxiety, gambling can seem like a lifeline in a sea of problems.
• Social factors: We are a product of our environment. If a child grows up seeing adults gambling all the time, it can become the norm for them. And in the age of the internet, the temptation to gamble is at every turn, turning the whole world into a potential casino.
• Comorbidity: Trouble rarely comes alone. People who are addicted to gambling often suffer from other addictions as well. It’s as if one addiction opens the door for other addictions, creating a vicious cycle of self-destruction.
• Personality traits: Some personality traits can become our enemies. Impulsiveness causes us to act without thinking, and a competitive spirit can push us into more and more bets. It’s as if an inner voice keeps whispering: “One more game and you’ll beat everyone!”.
• Life events: Life can be cruel at times. Traumatic experiences or major changes can knock the ground out from under your feet. At times like these, gambling can seem like a way to escape reality or a quick fix to financial problems.
• Reinforcement and conditioning: Winning at gambling is like a fireworks display of pleasure for the brain. It triggers the release of “happy hormones”, and the brain craves a repeat of the experience. And the unpredictability of results creates a strong psychological dependence, as if we are trapped in our own hopes and expectations.

Remember that ludomania is the result of a complex interaction of all these factors. Understanding these mechanisms is the first step to overcoming addiction and regaining control over your life.

How to Get Rid of Gambling Addiction

Getting rid of gambling addiction is a difficult but possible process. Here is a detailed plan of action:

• Recognising the problem: The first and most important step is to recognise that you have a problem. This can be difficult, but being honest with yourself is the key to recovery. Remember, admitting a problem is not weakness, but a show of strength and courage.
• Seek professional help: Don’t try to cope alone. Seek the help of a gaming addiction specialist or psychotherapist.
  They may suggest:
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT);
  • Group therapy;
  • Family therapy;
  • Medication treatment (if necessary);
• Joining support groups: Groups like Gamblers Anonymous can provide invaluable support from people who have been through the same things you have. Talking to those who understand your difficulties can be very helpful.
• Financial Control: Hand over control of your finances to a trusted person for the duration of your treatment. This will help you avoid impulsive betting.
• Block access to gambling activities: Use self-exclusion programmes from online casinos and bookmakers. Install programmes on your devices that block gambling sites.
• Find alternative activities: Find new hobbies or return to old pastimes. Sports, art, volunteering — anything that brings you joy and doesn’t involve gambling.
• Stress Management: Learn relaxation and meditation techniques. These will help you manage stress and cravings for gambling.
• Work on relationships: Repair relationships that may have suffered because of your addiction. Be honest with loved ones and ask for their support.
• Physical health: Don’t forget to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get a healthy sleep. Good physical health will help in your fight against addiction.
• Goal Setting: Set short and long term goals that are not gambling related. This will help you focus on the future.
• Keep a diary: Write down your thoughts and feelings. This will help you track your progress and identify triggers.
• Patience and perseverance: Remember that recovery is a process. There will be ups and downs, but don’t give up. Every day without gaming is a victory.

Getting rid of gambling addiction is a journey that takes time, effort and support. But with the right approach and determination, you can take back control of your life and build a healthier and happier future.

Gambling Addiction Test

Identifying the early signs of gambling addiction is key to preventing serious consequences. We suggest you take a short test developed by our gambling expert. This test will help you assess your current gambling behaviour and determine if you are showing signs of an emerging addiction. Take it now to better understand your situation and, if necessary, seek help in a timely manner.

Gambling Addiction Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, several resources are available:

• Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-855-662-6605
• Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554
• Gamblers Anonymous: Offers a 12-step program and support groups worldwide.
• BeGambleAware: Provides information and support for problem gamblers in the UK.
• Problem Gambling: A program under CAMH offering resources on gambling addiction.

Local Resources in Canada

Each Canadian province has dedicated resources for problem gamblers:

• Alberta: 1-866-332-2322
• British Columbia: +1-888-795-6111
• Manitoba: 1-855-662-6605
• New Brunswick: +1-800-461-1234
• Newfoundland: +1-877-999-7589
• Northwest Territories: +1-800-661-0844
• Nova Scotia: +1-888-347-8888
• Nunavut: +1-800-265-3333
• Ontario: +1-416-535-8501
• Prince Edward Island: +1-855-255-4255
• Quebec: +1-800-461-0140
• Saskatchewan: +1-306-787-7239
• Yukon Territory: +1-800-661-0408

If you or someone you know is affected, don’t hesitate to seek help from the resources listed above. Remember, recovery is a journey, and there is support available every step of the way.