The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) focuses on paying attention to how gambling feels during Problem Gambling Prevention Week which runs in Niagara Region from October 8 - 14.
People who experience mixed feelings about gambling, such as guilt, anxiety, and/or frustration, are encouraged to know the signs and recognize they are important warning signals.
According to the RGC, these feelings are there for a reason and ignoring them can only make a situation worse – impacting not just the person but also family and friends. That’s why it is important to pay attention to how gambling makes you feel – before it becomes a problem.
RGC research shows that approximately 3.4 per cent of Ontarians have a moderate to severe gambling problem.
During Problem Gambling Prevention Week, RGC is urging people to know the signs and listen carefully to how they feel about their gambling. The free to attend educational campaign includes tips on how people can take direct action to protect themselves and get free, confidential help.
Warning signs include:
• Feeling guilty, anxious, frustrated or worried about your gambling
• Thinking or talking more than usual about gambling
• Gambling more to win back losses
• Experiencing extreme highs from gambling wins and extreme lows from gambling losses
• Getting irritated more easily or having less patience when dealing with normal, everyday activities
The good news is that paying attention to how you feel about your gambling is the first step to early detection of a potential gambling problem.
For more about the emotional and behavioural signs to watch for and how to protect yourself, go to www.knowthesigns.ca
Problem Gambling Resources
Niagara Region residents can access free, confidential help at:
• St. Catharines: Gambling Support Services (CASON) – 905.684.1183
• ConnexOntario at 1.866.531.2600