Gambling in Ontario has become a multi-billion dollar business with annual revenues exceeding those of cinema showings, movie rentals, sporting event admissions and live theater combined. More than eight out of ten adult Ontario residents say that they have gambled in the past year. Most of these people gamble responsibly and see gambling only as a form of entertainment.

At Choices For Change we do not take an anti-gambling stance. We do not see gambling as either good or bad, but see it as a social reality that is here to stay.

To keep the fun in gambling, the Responsible Gambling Council suggests that these guidelines be followed:

• gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money
• never borrow money to gamble
• balance gambling with other leisure activities
• only use money set aside for leisure, not money for necessary daily expenses
• set a limit and stick to it - if you have lost the money you budgeted for gambling, stop
• if you’re losing, don’t chase your losses - accept any loss as the cost of entertainment
• always set a time limit
• take frequent breaks
• leave your credit cards at home and avoid using on-site cash machines

Problem gamblers lose sight of gambling as a form of entertainment. People under stress may see gambling as an escape from their problems. They may come to believe that they can beat the odds.

Some of the signs that gambling is becoming a problem are:

• spending more and more time gambling and thinking about gambling
• playing more and more money trying to win back losses
• missing time at work, frequently being absent from home to go gambling and being secretive about what you are doing
• gambling to escape daily pressures or to cope with loneliness, boredom, or depression
• owing more and more money and perhaps becoming involved in illegal activities to finance gambling

If you recognize any of the above warning signs in yourself or anyone you know help is available at Choices For Change . A qualified problem gambling counsellor will meet with you to discuss your concerns.

• No fees
• Totally confidential
• Can be seen within 48 hours of your call or e-mail

For specific information about problem gambling amongst particular age groups, please see Older Adults, or Youth services sections.

Concerned others are also welcome to attend (see Family services for more information). Both mandatory and self-referrals are accepted. Whether or not a person sees their gambling as a problem is not important because it never hurts to sit down and discuss.

Some of our clients choose to stop all gambling. Some may wish to stop only those gambling activities that are creating problems. Other may wish to learn how to gamble moderately. We are flexible working with an individual’s goals. We’re here to help you manage your gambling in order to prevent it from becoming a problem or to work on modifying your behaviours if it is already a problem.