Problem Gambling

Probably yes! There is evidence to support a greater risk for people with mood disorders. But, truthfully, we are just not sure. However, we intend to find out.

The report: “Mood Disorders And Problem Gambling: Cause, Effect, Or Cause For Concern?” looks at the research linking mood disorders and problem gambling. We undertook this review because of the rapid growth of gambling, the suspected link between mood disorders and gambling problems, the high rates of suicide and a nagging concern that people with mood disorders may be a unique ‘at-risk’ group who need to take more caution in engaging in gambling activities.

The Mood Disorders Society of Canada intends to pursue a research agenda in partnership with leading specialists in mood disorders and problem gambling. We want to look at problem gambling from the vantage point of those living with mood disorder.

• • According to Statistics Canada, there were over 100,000 places to make a bet in Canada in 2001.
  • In 2002, an estimated 18.9 million adults wagered $11.3 billion on government-run lotteries, video lottery terminals, and in casinos. Gamblers spent an additional $440 million on horse racing.
    
  • Spending rates on gambling have increased four-fold over the last decade.
  • The average Canadian adult gambler spent $447 in 2001. Participation and spending rates increase with household income.
    
  • In 2001, gambling activity in Canada employed an estimated 47,500 persons as either regulators or operators of gambling for government or within gaming management companies.
    
  • Over 83% of the adult population gambled legally last year – most without problems.
    
  • Canadians have accepted legalized gambling in part because it is government owned, operated and regulated. Canadians trust that governments will look after the needs of all its citizens.

• Using the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey, researchers found that one-quarter of problem gamblers suffered a major clinical depression at some point in their lives.
• In the same survey, one-fifth of problem gamblers had contemplated suicide in the last year.
• In a recent Quebec study, more than half of the 75 people whose suicides were linked to gambling problems had a major mental illness – primarily depression.
• In numerous studies, researchers found that over three quarters of people who sought treatment for gambling problems also experienced a major depressive disorder.
• Researchers found that many people gamble to cope with feelings of loss, to avoid difficult situations or when they are depressed or feeling anxious.
• Research suggests that depression and anxiety are not relieved by gambling and, in fact, gambling appears to make things worse.
• Gambling, mood disorders and drinking are a volatile mix. It appears that when these three elements combine, gambling problems are more severe, emotional and physical health is worse and the risk of suicide goes up.

Sadly, many people hide their problem gambling from others. There are no physical signs like slurred speech that can help you spot a problem. However, there are other signs. For example, you can tell someone’s gambling is getting out of control if they:

• Spend large amounts of time gambling
• Begin to place larger bets, and bet more often
• Have growing debts
• Promise to cut back on gambling, but cannot seem to do it
• Refuse to explain their behaviour, or lie about it
• Feel frequent highs and lows
• Boast about winning but hide their losses
• Prefer gambling to a special family occasion
• Seek new places to gamble close to home and away, like on vacation
• Pin their hopes on the “big win,” believing that this will solve financial or other problems

Anyone who gambles may be at risk of developing problems – under the right set of circumstances. The only way to remove the risk completely is not to gamble at all. However, if you choose to gamble, there are ways that you can lower the risk.

Consider the following steps to keep your gambling safe.

• Set limits on the amount of money and time spent gambling. STICK TO THEM.
• Leave your credit and bank debit cards at home. Don’t bring along “extra” money.
• If you are losing, don’t chase your losses.
• If you are winning, remember the odds are against you keeping your winnings. Quit while you are ahead. Winning happens by chance.
• Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
• Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money or pay debts.
• Gamble sober.
• Don’t borrow money to gamble.
• Gamble only with money you can afford to lose and consider it part of your entertainment budget
• Take breaks regularly so you don’t get too focused on gambling. Remember you need to eat and drink and sitting too long in one position is not good for your circulation.
• Don’t gamble alone. Play with friends who don’t have a problem with gambling.
• Don’t gamble if you are upset, depressed, angry or in other ways emotionally at risk.
• If you find yourself breaking any of these guidelines, stop gambling at once, and give yourself some time away from the games to get some distance and think about what you are doing.
  • (Source: CAMH Problem Gambling Project).

• Losing track of time and spending more hours in play than you intended.
• Spending more money than you planned on or can afford to lose.
• Ignoring work and family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or using household expense money to gamble.
• “Chasing your losses” in an attempt to win back your money.
• Seeing gambling as a way to ‘earn’ money believing that your ‘investment’ will eventually pay off.
• Gambling is the most important activity in your life over all other interests.
• Using gambling to cope with your problems or avoid things.
• Your gambling is causing conflicts within your family and friendships.
• Letting your health suffer.
  • (Source: CAMH Problem Gambling Project).

The higher the score the greater the risk that gambling is a problem.

A score of 0 = Non-problem gambling.

A score of 1 or 2 = Low risk gambler and means that the individual is gambling at levels that may or may not be leading to negative consequences.

A score of 3 to 7 = Moderate risk gambling which has or may lead to negative and indicates a level of risk that should be explored, particularly if the person gambles frequently and/or has three or four of the vulnerability factors listed below.

A score of 8 or more = Problem gambling with negative consequences and a loss of control.

A score between 8 and 27 on the CPGI means that the individual is gambling at levels that are leading to negative consequences. They may have lost control of their gambling behaviour. The higher their score, the heavier their gambling, and the more vulnerability factors they have (see list below), the more severe their problem is likely to be. These individuals should definitely be encouraged to examine their gambling behaviour and its consequences.

Some vulnerability factors to consider

If you, or someone you care about, are having problems with they’re gambling – get help! Across Canada there is free, private and confidential service available to help you sort out what is going on and link you to the information or support you need.

Problem Gambling Helplines in Canada