Gambling Help: Practical Advice and Helplines

Games of chance or gambling are a kind of entertainment when a person puts money on the line but does not know whether they will win or not. Casino games fall into this category and include slots, lotteries, poker, blackjack, roulette, sports betting and other gambling types.

Responsible punters perceive gambling as a way to have fun in their free time and are wary of any red flags. Such gamblers control the time and money spent on casino sites. If a person does not have any gambling behaviour problems and does not perceive gambling as a way to earn money, then this type of gambling is called a game without risk.

If a player has problems with control, all the money and time are spent on games and the punter is constantly chasing jackpots and trying to win back, then this may be a problem.

Who Are Prone to Develop Gambling Addictions

For a variety of reasons, some people are more likely to develop addictions. Because of the ignorance and misunderstanding of the essence of problem gambling, players may not recognize alarming signals and not seek help in time. The following risk factors may cause the problem to develop:

  • Tendency to other types of addiction;
  • Inability to control your own budget;
  • Not understanding that gambling can be addictive;
  • Depression and unstable emotional state;
  • Desire to escape from personal problems and more.

Whatever the reason, it is important to realize that problem gambling does exist. Timely identification and getting help is the main guarantee of a successful fight against addiction and any problems associated with virtual casino games.

Recommendations for Responsible Gamblers

All participants in the iGaming market are fully responsible for their actions. Players should understand that gambling is an enjoyable pastime, not a way to make money. Online operators, for their part, are obliged to do everything possible to inform punters about the risks and consequences of irresponsible gaming behaviour.

  • We have compiled the most important recommendations for responsible players:
  • Gambling should be viewed as entertainment only.
  • Casino games cannot be perceived as a way to make money.
  • Punters must play in licensed gambling venues that implement all responsible gambling mechanisms.
  • You cannot wager an amount that you cannot afford to lose.
  • Control the time and budget you spend on casino games.
  • Set bet and loss amount limits. If you lose more than you can afford, stop.
  • Take regular breaks from gambling.
  • Prioritize other healthier ways to spend your free time.
  • Do not try to win back if you lose.

If you cannot control your gambling behaviour or see signs of developing a gambling addiction, seek help from specialists or talk to your family about the problem.

Where to Go for Help

If you suspect that you or your loved ones have some problems with Internet gambling, seek help from one of the organizations listed below:

  • Responsible Gambling Council. This advisory body has been going hand in hand with gambling addicts for many years now. Their main goal is to inform and prevent Canadian players from having problems with casino games. In addition, the organization provides all possible materials, resources and tools to create the most favourable gaming environment.
  • Center for Addiction and Mental Health. This center is engaged in research, prevention and treatment of psychological problems of players and patients with other types of addiction. With their help, thousands of Canadian gamblers have received and continue to receive timely assistance from specialists.

Advice Line Phones

If you or someone close to you has problems with gambling, please get in touch with the specialists using the following numbers:

ProvincePhone Number
Alberta1-866-461-1259
British Columbia1-888-795-6111
Quebec1-800-461-0140
Manitoba1-800-463-1554
Newfoundland1-888-899-4357
New Brunswick1-800-461-1234
Northwest Territories1-800-661-0844
Nova Scotia1-888-347-8888
Nunavut1-800-265-3333
Ontario1-866-531-2600
Prince Edward Island1-855-255-4255
Saskatchewan1-800-306-6789
Yukon1-866-456-3838