Gambling

There has been an explosion in the growth of legalized gambling over the last number of years.  Gambling is now a multi-billion dollar industry.  Gone are the days of weekly lotteries and bingo.  Today there are opportunities for people to gamble on a daily basis.

When does Gambling Become a Problem?

If gambling is negatively impacting you and those around you then it is a problem.  A person may be experiencing some or all of these signs:

• Interference with daily life
• Negative impact on family and friend relationships
• Negatively impacting finances
• Negatively impacting mental and physical health
• Negatively impacting education and/or employment.

Are you at risk for developing problems?  Ask yourself these short questions. (answering yes to one of these):

• Have you spent more time or money than you intended to on gambling?
• Has anyone expressed concern about your gambling?
• Are you concerned about your gambling?

Here are some more yellow flag moments (warning signs):  www.yellowflag.ca