RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING IN CANADA AND WORLD WIDE

First and foremost, we’re glad you’re interested in learning about responsible gambling. One of the first things to know about responsible gambling is that it is a way of enjoying gambling as a form of entertainment. Responsible gambling means having the right attitude, setting limits on how much time and money you can afford to spend, and knowing when to stop.

Treat gambling as a source of entertainment rather than a source of income.

Know how the games work before you wager, find detailed info in the casino’s Terms & Conditions.

Make a plan and stick to it. Set a budget and a time limit for your gambling session.

Take frequent breaks and balance gambling with other activities.

Don’t try to win back what you’ve lost or chase your losses. Expect to lose more often than you win.

Don’t depend on “good luck” strategies. They don’t increase your chances of winning.

If you’re no longer having fun, stop playing.

Seek help if you think you have a gambling problem or if gambling is affecting your personal, family, or work life.

With our project BonusCasinoStation, we show our care about our readers and want to point out all the possibilities to avoid gambling addiction. Since it’s a serious issue that can affect anyone, there are many Canadian organizations that can help with this addiction. The most important thing is to reach out for help when you need it.

Responsible Gambling Council

Non-profit organization that provides information, education, and support for people who gamble and their families. They offer free and confidential services, such as self-assessment quizzes, self-exclusion programs, success stories, and multilingual resources. You can contact them by phone at 1-888-391-1111 or by email at info@responsiblegambling.org.

Gambling Therapy

 A global online service that offers practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling. They have a team of trained and experienced counselors who can help you through live chat, forums, email, or group sessions. You can also access self-help tools, such as worksheets, podcasts, and apps. You can visit their website at GamblingTherapy.org

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

National organization that provides research, policy, and practice guidance on substance use and addiction, including gambling. They have publications, webinars, podcasts, and events that cover various topics related to gambling and its impacts on health and society. You can contact them by phone at 613-235-4048 or by email at info@ccsa.ca.

Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario

Program of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health that provides clinical and research services for people with gambling problems and their families. They offer assessment, treatment, self-help tools, and online resources. You can contact them by phone at 416-535-8501 ext. 2 or by email at problem.gambling@camh.ca.

British Columbia Responsible and Problem Gambling Program

Government program that helps people gamble responsibly and deal with problem gambling. It offers free and confidential information, counseling, and treatment services for gamblers and their families. It has a website  at https://www.gamblingsupportbc.ca/  (Gambling Support BC) that provides various resources and tools to prevent and identify problem gambling You can call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-795-6111. This is a confidential and multilingual service that is available 24/71. You can email the program at info@gamblingsupportbc.ca.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition that can have negative consequences on your physical, mental, and social well-being. There are many resources and treatments available for people who struggle with gambling addiction

Some signs of gambling addiction are:

Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning gambling activities and how to get more gambling money

Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill

Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success

Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling

Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression

Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)

Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling

Experiencing signs of depression, insomnia, cravings, anxiety, and irritability when attempting to cut back on gambling

Please take into consideration that the list is not exhaustive and the symptoms can differ from person to person. If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it may be a good idea to seek professional help.