For most, gaming is a recreational activity that is done for entertainment and social purposes. We realize that this is not the case for everyone, and that for some people, gambling can get out of hand and no longer be a choice. As a result, we are committed not only to supporting responsible gambling by training and educating our staff, but also by making resources available to all customers who believe their gambling habits exceed a healthy threshold.
How can I play responsibly?
Gamblers Anonymous offers the following questions to anyone who may have a gambling problem. These questions are provided to help the person decide if he or she is a compulsive gambler and wants to stop gambling. Most compulsive gamblers will answer “yes” to at least 7 of these questions:
- Have you ever lost time at work or school to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made you unhappy at home?
- Has the game affected your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after playing?
- Have you ever gambled to get money with which to pay off debts or solve financial difficulties?
- Has gambling reduced your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing, did you feel you had to come back as soon as possible and win back your losses?
- After a win, did you have a strong desire to come back and win more?
- Have you often played until your last dollar was gone?
- Have you ever borrowed to finance your game?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance your game?
- Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenses?
- Has gambling made you indifferent to your family’s well-being?
- Have you ever played longer than planned?
- Have you ever played to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Does the game make it hard for you to sleep?
- Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create a desire to play?
- Have you ever wanted to celebrate good fortune with a few hours of play?
- Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your game?
Do I have a gambling problem?
Problem gambling is gambling to an extent that compromises, disrupts or damages family, personal or recreational activities. A compulsive gambler is generally described as someone who has spent more money and/or time gambling than they can afford.
- Spend more money and time on the game than you can afford.
- Having trouble managing or stopping your game.
- Arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
- Losing interest in your usual activities or hobbies, such as going out with friends or spending time with your family.
- Always thinking or talking about play.
- Lying about your game or hiding it from others.
- Chasing losses or gambling your way out of financial trouble.
- Play until all your money is gone.
- Borrow money, sell assets or default on bills to finance your game.
- Need to play with larger sums of money or for longer to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz.
- Neglecting work, university, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling.
- Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous provides confidential telephone support and face-to-face advice to anyone affected by problem gambling.
