Gambling

Facts:   Did You know…

Gambling is often called the hidden addiction because signs of it’s presence aren’t as easily recognized.  You can’t smell it or see signs of impairments like other addictions.  Problem gambling does not discriminate, it effects Canadians from all age groups, income levels, cultures and jobs.

The highest risk age group for gambling is the19-24 year olds. (2007 Adult Gambling Prevalence Study)

The more gambling becomes accessible, the number of people effected by problem gambling increases.

There are some forms of gambling that are riskier then others. Continuous electronic forms of gambling such as video lottery terminals (VLT’s) casinos and internet gambling is still associated with the highest risk.. is still the highest risk form of gambling in NS.

Gambling was once looked at as deviant, now a mainstream activity in Canada. It’s portrayed as a glamorous & exciting form of entertainment offering you the chance to “change your life” and “live the dream.”

Poker tournaments  being advertised like sporting events contributes to the rising trends towards the “sportification” of gambling.

Normalization of gambling:  The more we see gambling messages and products through mainstream media, the less we recognize it.

Whether you are surfing the internet, listening to the radio, watching television or even walking down a street in Atlantic Canada, you are likely to come across dozens of commercial pro-gambling messages in the run of a day.