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Gambling becomes a problem when the lines between entertainment and need begin to blur.
Recognizing when that boundary has been crossed can be challenging, but identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling can help reduce the risk of short-term habits developing into long-term harms.
Seeking support through the various responsible gambling resources and tools offered in Alberta is a key step toward addressing any underlying problem gambling concerns.
Whether through the province and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’ GameSense program or non-profit organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council, help is available.
According to Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally, those efforts form part of a broader, collaborative approach to Alberta’s responsible gambling strategy.
In a statement to Bonus.com, Nally said:
“The iGaming industry is a fast moving space, and our regulations are built to move with it. We’ll always look at the advice from experts and feedback from Albertans so we can make changes when needed to keep player safety at the forefront of our market.”
What is Problem Gambling?
The Responsible Gambling Council states that gambling becomes a problem when:
- You have trouble stopping;
- Spend more than you can afford; and
- It begins to negatively impact other areas of your life, including physical and mental health, school or work performance, finances, and personal relationships
Paying attention to how you feel is an essential measure when assessing your relationship with gambling. There are also several external tools for players to evaluate their gambling habits, including the RGC’s Self-Assessment Quiz.
The nine-step multiple-choice questionnaire identifies a player’s risk level following the survey and points them in the direction of local help.
For those using online casinos in Alberta, the province has already declared that 1% of gross gaming revenue will go toward some of those local social responsibility initiatives, including responsible gambling programs and treatment services for problem gambling.
As Minister Nally noted, assigning a tangible figure (i.e., 1%) to the province’s commitment helps provide clarity and accountability around how these crucial services will be supported.
“We believe that if someone chooses to gamble, they should be able to do it as safely as possible,” he told Bonus.com. “Dedicating one per cent of gross gaming revenue for social responsibility creates a clear commitment to invest in supports like intensive outpatient treatment for gambling addiction.”
Common Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Warning signs of problem gambling present themselves in a variety of ways. Both the RGC and GameSense detail different behaviours and signals of problem gambling on their websites, including:
- Feeling guilty, anxious, frustrated or worried about your gambling
- Thinking or talking about gambling more than usual
- Gambling to win back money you’ve lost
- Experiencing extreme highs from wins and extreme lows from losses
- Using gambling as an escape
- Neglecting personal or family responsibilities to gamble
In addition to these behavioural flags, the RGC also emphasizes financial warning signs, which it says can be more overt or visible indicators of problem gambling. The list includes:
- Overdue and unpaid bills
- Increased spending on credit cards or significant debt increase
- Frequently short or lacking money despite sufficient income
- Repeatedly borrowing money from friends and family
- Money disappearing from savings account, home, or wallets without explanation
Do’s and Don’ts When Addressing Problem Gambling
If experiencing these signs as a player or witnessing them as a concerned friend or family member, there are certain steps you can take to broach the subject, as advised by GameSense.
- DO let the struggling individual know that you care and are concerned about their well-being.
- DO tell them their family and friends are concerned about the changes they see. Use specific examples, but don’t attack them.
- DO tell them you are there as a friend if and when they need your help. Provide support to the best of your abilities but also seek assistance from professional counsellors.
- DON’T ignore the problem and make excuses because it’s the easier path. If you’re struggling, confronting your problem gambling with urgency is better than letting it snowball further.
- DON’T lecture a struggling person or tell them to stop immediately. Communicate calmly without being judgmental. Support and compassion can lead them towards the help they need.
Taking Action Against Problem Gambling
Whether dealing with it yourself or feeling its effects in others, problem gambling requires proactive intervention.
As a concerned family member or friend, GameSense recommends consulting with professionals and resources before approaching the person in need.
Take further initiative by preparing concrete examples of how their gambling negatively impacts you and others, communicating using “I” messages without being judgmental (e.g., “I feel…”) and remembering that the behaviour is the problem, not the person.
For those struggling, seek help through the various support systems available in Alberta, including the Alberta Health Services website or toll-free phone line (1-866-332-2322).
Stepping back from gambling activities through the AGLC’s new omni-channel self-exclusion program is another viable option.
Operators Must Do Their Part to Promote Safe Play
Getting in touch with the appropriate resources isn’t a responsibility placed solely on struggling players or their friends and family – operators play a role, too.
“Our operators are key partners in effectively delivering responsible gambling messaging to patrons both in retail gaming venues and online,” AGLC Senior Communications Officer Lynden McBeth told Bonus.com in an email.
“From displaying messaging on-site, highlighting AGLC’s GameSense and Self-Exclusion programs, to continued training for staff, casino operators play a critical role in highlighting the tools and resources available to Albertans, ensuring that gambling is viewed as a form of entertainment.”
From identifying the warning signs to initiating conversations and seeking help, confronting problem gambling is not a one-person job.
