Gambling Addiction Awareness
An informational guide to understanding gambling-related risks and finding support in CanadaWhat is a gambling addiction?
Gambling is a popular form of entertainment, but like many activities, it comes with risks. For some people, gambling can shift from a casual pastime into a behaviour that becomes difficult to control. This may include patterns such as chasing losses, gambling more frequently than intended, or relying on the belief that the “next bet” will fix previous losses.
When gambling starts to cause harm to a person’s finances, relationships, work, or emotional well-being, it may be considered problematic. These difficulties can also affect family members, friends, and others close to the individual.
The purpose of this page is to provide general information about gambling-related risks, help people recognize potentially risky behaviours, and highlight support options available in Canada.
| Important! |
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| This page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Only qualified professionals can assess or diagnose gambling-related conditions. |
Common signs that someone may be struggling with gambling-related harm
The examples below describe behaviours and experiences that may suggest someone is having difficulty keeping their gambling under control:
- Preoccupation with gambling: Frequently thinking about gambling, even when focusing on work, studies, or other responsibilities.
- Chasing losses: Repeatedly trying to win back money that has already been lost, often leading to further losses.
- Hiding gambling behaviour: Being secretive about gambling activity or lying to friends or family about time or money spent.
- Strained finances or relationships: Gambling begins to interfere with personal relationships, employment, or financial stability.
- Financial reliance on others: Depending on loans or financial help from friends or family to cover gambling or everyday expenses.
- Emotional distress: Feelings such as anxiety, irritability, frustration, or mood changes that may be associated with gambling.
If any of these examples feel familiar, a brief self-assessment may help you reflect on your gambling habits.
Self-assessment
Self-assessment tools are designed to offer general insight only. They are not diagnostic and do not replace a conversation with a licensed professional.
- Lie/Bet Test: A short, two-question screening tool often used to identify early signs of gambling-related risk (Available on eMentalHealth.ca)
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
- Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
- Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI): A widely used questionnaire that groups gambling behaviour into general risk categories, from low risk to higher levels of concern.
If a self-assessment raises concerns or highlights potential issues, consider reaching out to a qualified professional or a gambling support helpline for guidance.
| Reminder |
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| These tools are informational and do not provide a medical diagnosis. |
What to expect when seeking support
Reaching out for help can feel challenging, but it is often an important first step. When contacting a gambling support helpline or service, you can generally expect to speak with someone trained to listen, provide information, and explain available resources.
These conversations focus on understanding your situation and outlining possible next steps, such as local services or additional support options. They are intended to be supportive and non-judgmental.
Common factors linked to gambling-related harm
There is no single cause of gambling problems. People may develop harmful gambling habits for different reasons, including:
- Ongoing stress or life pressures
- Financial difficulties
- Using gambling as a distraction or coping mechanism
- Easy access to gambling products
- Major life changes or emotional challenges
Understanding these factors can help individuals recognize when gambling may be used in unhealthy ways.
Potential effects of harmful gambling behaviour
Gambling-related harm can affect many areas of life, including:
- Finances: Accumulating debt, financial instability, or loss of savings.
- Personal relationships: Reduced trust, conflict with loved ones, or social withdrawal.
- Work or studies: Difficulty concentrating, reduced performance, or absenteeism.
- Stress and well-being: Ongoing worry, frustration, or feeling overwhelmed.
- Every day responsibilities: Struggling to keep up with personal, family, or professional obligations.
Immediate tools you can use today
For individuals who wish to manage their gambling activity, a number of practical tools are commonly available.
- Deposit and spending limits: These allow players to cap how much money can be deposited or wagered.
- Time limits: These restrict the amount of time that can be spent gambling.
- Self-exclusion: This option blocks access to gambling platforms for a set period of time.
Many licensed online casinos in Canada offer these tools, and additional resources are available through responsible gambling organizations.
You can also visit our Responsible Gambling page for more tools and information.
How to help someone you’re worried about
If you’re concerned about someone else’s gambling behaviour, confidential guidance is available through organizations such as GAMBLEAWARE.
As a friend or family member, it can help to:
- Encouraging access to professional or helpline support where appropriate
- Considering how shared finances might be protected
- Avoiding financial bailouts that could enable further gambling
Supportive, respectful conversations are often more effective than criticism or pressure.
Regional resources in Canada
Every province and territory in Canada offers free, confidential gambling support services. Below are examples of national and regional organizations that can help connect individuals with local resources:
- ConnexOntario
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
- Provincial and territorial gambling helplines
External links to these resources can help you find support in your area.
If you or someone you know is affected by gambling-related harm, support is available. Support services are available for those who wish to explore their options.
Kayleigh specializes in online casino content for Canadian markets. She manages reviews, guides, and regulatory updates, ensuring accuracy and compliance. With over 10 years of experience in iGaming and digital content management, she has produced and edited more than 500 casino pages across the North American market, including Ontario and U.S. states, like PA and NJ. As the Content Manager for CanadaCasino, Kayleigh applies anti-money laundering (AML) practices and responsible gambling training to uphold the highest editorial standards.
Covering igaming in Canada and Ontario for 2 years, he specializes in both the review process (having written over 100 casino reviews at CanadaCasino.ca and OntarioCasinos.com) and responsible gambling guidelines. He is meticulous with his reviews and is known amongst the team for being strict with his high standards. A thorough fact-checker, he is also well-versed in anti-money laundering regulations, having completed multiple AML training courses in recent years.