What is Gambling?
A person is gambling whenever he or she takes the chance of losing money or belongings, and
when winning or losing is decided mostly by chance. Gambling in Canada has grown at an
unprecedented rate over the last decade and is an increasingly popular recreational activity.
While gambling was once illegal, or viewed as a disreputable activity, social norms have shifted.
Gambling is now a multi-billion dollar industry in Canada, and its growth is likely to continue.
Surveys indicate that the general population favours funding charities, health care and other
important initiatives through the funds raised from gambling.
While some may consider gambling only to be associated with casinos and racetracks, there are
countless activities that are considered gambling.
There are many different ways to gamble, including:
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Casino games (Craps, dice, Sic Bo (Chinese dice game), Pai Gow Tiles (Chinese
Dominoes), slot machines, Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker,
Casino War, Baccarat, Spanish 21, Pai Gow Poker and others)
Bingo
Keno
Slot machines
Lottery tickets
Scratch, Nevada or pull-tab tickets
Betting on card games, mah-jong or dominoes
Betting on horse racing
Others ports betting
Betting on games of skill, such as golf or pool
Tombola and similar games
Internet gambling
Stock market speculation
There are different reasons why people choose to gamble. Individuals may be gambling to win
money, to socialize, for excitement or to pass time.
For some people, gambling may become a serious problem that affects all aspects of their lives.
And as gambling becomes more accessible, the number of people affected by problem
gambling also increases.
Elements of gambling:
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One needs to realize that by gambling, something valuable is being put at risk
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The outcome of the game is determined by chance
Once a bet is made, it is irreversible.
Source: Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – What is Gambling?
What are Odds?
Simply speaking, “Odds” is the term used to describe the chances a person placing a bet has of
winning. In gambling:
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Odds are the chances of winning
Odds are always against the person placing the bet
“House” always has the edge
In every betting game, the odds are against the player. That means that the “house” (the
casino, bingo hall, racetrack, lottery commission etc.), is absolutely guaranteed,
mathematically, to “win” over time. For every millionaire that is created from lottery
winnings, there are millions of others who have lost their money!
The longer you gamble; the more likely it is you will lose.
Many people who develop problems associated with their gambling have the false belief that
they will be able to 'beat the system', while others may not understand that the odds are just
against them and that over time, they will lose money.
Comparing the Odds:
The Odds of winning the Lotto 649 are approximately 1 in 14 million.
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A person has a 1 in 3 million chance of sighting an UFO. That's almost 5 times more
likely than winning the jackpot.
You are more likely to die of a flesh eating disease (1 in 1 million) than winning the
lottery. That's 14 times more likely than winning the jackpot.**
You are more likely to be killed by lightening (1 in 56,439) than win the lottery. That's
almost 250 times more likely than winning the jackpot.**
You are more likely to be killed in a traffic accident driving 16 km to purchase a ticket
than winning the jackpot**
Imagine you are standing blindfolded on a football field holding a pin. A friend has
released an ant on the field. Your chance of piercing that ant with your pin is about one
in 14 million, the same odds of winning the Lotto 6/49 jackpot.**
The odds of winning the top prize at maximum coin play on the slot machines ranges
from 1 in 4,096 to 1 in 33,554,000***.
Another way to look at the odds of winning the lottery jackpot:
Mrs. Jane Doe lives somewhere in Ontario. Try reaching her by randomly dialing one of 12.5
million Ontario phone numbers. (According to the Ministry of Finance, there are
approximately 12.5 million Ontario residents.) Your odds of contacting Mrs. Doe with the phone
are better than winning the lottery.
References:
**CBC News Online: What are the Odds, Not a Lotto Chance: Oct. 24, 2005
***British Columbia Partnership for Responsible Gambling: Understanding the Odds
Source: Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – What are Odds?
What is Problem Gambling?
Not all people who gamble excessively are alike, nor are the problems they face. People with
gambling problems are found in all age groups, income groups, cultures and jobs. Some people
develop gambling problems suddenly, others over many years.
There are many reasons why a gambling problem may develop. For example, some people
develop problems when they try to win back money they have lost, or because they like to be
“in the action.” Others have many life stresses that make gambling a welcome relief.
Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems can affect a person’s
whole life.
Gambling is a problem when it:
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gets in the way of work, school or other activities
harms your mental or physical health
hurts you financially
damages your reputation
causes problems with your family or friends.
Source: Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – Information About Problem Gambling
What to Call Problem Gambling
The 3 most common names used to describe over-involvement in gambling are:
 compulsive gambling;
 pathological gambling; and
 problem gambling.
Compulsive Gambling
“Compulsive gambling” is a term familiar to the general public and used in the United States
and by Gamblers Anonymous. The term is not entirely accurate, though, because gambling is
not a compulsive disorder. It is classified as an impulse control disorder in the Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual IV, Revised Edition (DSM-IV-R), the publication of the American Psychiatric
Association that is used by psychiatrists to diagnose mental health problems. An impulse
control disorder can be loosely defined as the inability to resist an impulsive act. However,
there is also disagreement about whether gambling belongs in this category.
Pathological Gambling
“Pathological gambling” is the diagnostic term used in the DSM-IV-R. Pathological gambling is
defined as a maladjusted practice characterized by persistent and repetitive playing that is
present when patients meet 5 or more of the following criteria:
 they are preoccupied with gambling;
 they need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to attain the desired
state of excitement;
 they have repeatedly and unsuccessfully attempted to control, cut back or stop
gambling;
 they are restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling;
 they gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g.,
feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression);
 after losing money gambling, they often return another day to get even;
 they lie to family, a therapist or others to conceal the extent of their gambling;
 they have committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft or embezzlement to
finance gambling;
 they have jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job or educational or career
opportunity because of gambling; or
 they rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by
gambling.
Problem Gambling
"Problem Gambling" is the term that is mostly used in Canada. It is descriptive and is
compatible with the notion that this problem can be very large or very minor. People do not
have to lose everything in their lives before getting help for “problem” gambling. Therefore, the
term is broader and more inclusive. It is often used to describe gambling behaviour that
involves some type of harmful consequence. Problem gambling includes, but is not limited to,
compulsive gambling and pathological gambling. It is often considered the most effective term
because it does not label or stigmatize the person with the problem in the way “pathological”
or “compulsive” can.
Why Does It Matter What We Call It?
The behaviour – gambling problematically – is the issue on which to focus. People have the
problem, but they are not the problem. For example, calling someone a “problem gambler” can
reduce him/her to one thing: a problem. Describing the situation rather than labelling the
person – for example, “someone with a gambling problem” or “someone affected by gambling”
– is less blaming and reduces stigma.
Source: Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – What to Call Problem Gambling
False Beliefs about Gambling Outcomes
People often hold false beliefs or myths about gambling that can lead to problems. Some of the
more common ones are listed below.
If I keep gambling, my luck will change and I'll win back the money I've lost.
Reality: Each time you place a bet, the outcome is completely independent of the previous one.
This means that the odds are no more in your favour on the tenth bet than they were on the
first bet. Over time, the more you risk, the more you’ll lose.
I almost won; I must be due for a win.
Reality: "Almost" winning in no way means that a real win is around the corner. Future
gambling outcomes are in no way influenced by previous outcomes.
If I play more than one machine or game at a time, I'll increase my chances of
winning.
Reality: Sure, you may win more often by playing two slot machines or poker games at a time,
but make no mistake about it: You’ll also spend—and ultimately lose—more doing so.
Remember, over time, the more you gamble, the more you’ll lose.
If I see a certain card coming up frequently in a poker game,
I should bet on it because chances are it will come up again very soon.
Reality: There are 2.6 million possible hands in a deck of 52 cards. Since each hand is
independent of the last, the chance of one card coming up again once it's already appeared is
no more (or less) likely than that of any other card.
I have a special strategy that helps me win.
I pick certain numbers for the lottery and press the stop button on a slot machine
at exactly the right time.
Reality: The outcome of most games of chance, particularly lotteries and slot machines, is
completely random: You cannot influence it, regardless of what you do. For lotteries, this
means that betting the same numbers every week won't help you win any more than betting
different numbers will. The odds of winning Lotto 6/49, for example, are 1 in 14 million each
and every time you play: It doesn’t matter how many people have purchased tickets or what
numbers you play—the odds are the same, regardless.
Whether or not you win playing slot machines is based solely on the randomly drawn numbers
generated by the machine’s computer—numbers which determine the game’s outcome even
before the reels stop. Pressing the stop button may speed up when you find out what the
game’s outcome is, but it won’t influence what that outcome is in any way.
I have a feeling that today is my lucky day. I just know I’m going to win.
Reality: Hoping, wishing or even needing to win money has absolutely no influence on the
outcome of a game of chance.
Source: Responsible Gambling Council – Common Myths about Gambling
Signs and Symptoms of Problem Gambling
Here are common behavioural, emotional, health and financial signs of problem gambling:
Behavioural Signs:
The individual:
 stops doing things he or she previously enjoyed
 misses family events
 changes patterns of sleep, eating or sex
 ignores self-care, work, school or family tasks
 has conflicts over money with other people
 uses alcohol or other drugs more often
 leaves children alone, seems less concerned about who looks after them, neglects their
basic care
 thinks about gambling all the time
 is less willing to spend money on things other than gambling
 cheats or steals to get the money to gamble or pay debts
 has legal problems related to gambling
 is often late for work or school
 organizes staff pools
 is gone for long, unexplained periods of time
 neglects personal responsibilities.
Emotional signs
The individual:
 withdraws from family and friends
 seems far away, anxious or has difficulty paying attention
 has mood swings and sudden outbursts of anger
 complains of boredom or restlessness
 seems depressed or suicidal.
Financial signs
The individual:
 frequently borrows money or asks for salary advances
 takes a second job without a change in finances
 cashes in savings accounts, RRSP's or insurance plans
 alternates between being broke and flashing money
 family members complain that valuables and appliances are disappearing, or money is
missing from a bank account or wallet.
Health signs:
The individual complains of stess-related health problems, such as:
 headaches
 stomach and bowel problems
 difficulty sleeping
 overeating, or loss of appetite.
Source: Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – Signs of Problem Gambling
Tips for Safer Gambling
For those who choose to gamble, there are some general principles that can help to make
gambling safer and reduce the risk that problems will occur.
Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money.
The bottom line is that gambling establishments like land-based casinos and online gambling
sites are set up to take in more money than they pay out. This means that over time, you will
lose more money than you win.
And, remember it's not just casinos. All forms of gambling have the same principle – the vast
majority of people lose so that a very small minority can have big wins. Virtually all people with
gambling problems hold the false expectation that they are the ones who will be the big
winners.
That belief feeds the problem.
Always gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
Gamble with money that you set aside for fun, like going to the movies or going out for drinks.
Never use money that you need for important things like rent, bills, tuition, etc.
Never chase losses.
If you lose money, never try to get it back by going over your limit. This usually leads to even
bigger losses.
Set a money limit.
Decide how much money you can afford to lose before you play. When you have lost that
amount of money, quit. If you win – enjoy, but remember it won’t happen most of the time.
Set a time limit.
Decide how much time you can afford to spend gambling. When you reach that time limit, stop
gambling.
Don’t gamble when you are depressed or upset.
It is hard to make good decisions about gambling when you are feeling down.
Balance gambling with other activities.
It’s important to enjoy other activities so that gambling doesn’t become too big a part of your
life.
Gambling and alcohol are not a good combination.
Gambling under the influence is common, but it generally leads people to make bad decisions
that they regret later.
Source: Responsible Gambling Council – Tips for Safer Gambling
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline (OPGH) is an information and referral service available
to members of the public, including problem gamblers, family/friends of problem gamblers, and
service providers working with clients experiencing problems related to gambling.
The Helpline links callers with problem gambling treatment resources in the Province of
Ontario. As a dedicated, 1-888 province-wide toll-free telephone service, the OPGH provides
immediate access to information about problem gambling treatment services, credit and debt
counselling services, family services, self-help and other resources related to problem gambling.
Benefits of the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
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It provides information about and referral to treatment
It is available 24 hours a day
It provides services in 140 different languages
You will always reach a live person
Services are free and confidential
You can ask about any gambling-related question or concern
It provides information about support for friends and families of people with gambling
problems
Anyone concerned about their own or another person’s gambling may call. Help is available.
Information and Referral Line – within Ontario – 1-888-230-3505
Email: [email protected]
Gaming
Larger than the Hollywood movie industry, video games are the fastest growing form of media
entertainment. With their use of cutting edge technologies, video games involve the player in
every-more realistic, complex and involved gaming situations. Because of their high appeal,
playing video games can be highly rewarding and also potentially addictive.
Research shows that 8.5% of gamers demonstrate pathological play.
Source: National Institute on Media and the Family
Risk Factors
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Low self-esteem
Poor relationships
Highly intelligent
Imaginative
Need for recognition/power
Starting at a young age
Family history of addiction
Warning Signs
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Preoccupied with gaming
Lying or hiding gaming use
Disobedience at time limits
Loss of interest in other activities
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Social withdrawal from family and friends
Psychological withdrawal from the game
Using gaming as an escape
Continuing to game despite its consequences
Physical Warning Signs
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Headaches
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Sleep disturbances
Back/Neck aches
Dry eyes
Failure to eat properly
Neglect personal hygiene
Resources:
Online Games Anonymous
Net Addiction
The Centre for Internet and Technology Addiction
Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Internet Safety
Parent Further
Information compiled by Homewood Health Centre in memory of Brandon Crisp.