Responsible gaming guide

Faced with the increase in the number of gamblers, it is necessary to remember that excessive gambling can have a considerable impact on the player's life.

Indeed, if the player does not know how to control himself, he can become dependent. The addiction to gambling can lead him to excessive behaviors that will have harmful consequences both for him and for those around him. Not to mention the possibility of debt, because no, we don't win every time we play.

Prevention measures against gambling addiction and programs for the protection of players have been put in place. But this did not prevent the increase in players with this pathology. Perhaps this is also due to the number of casinos that is constantly increasing, offering irresistible offers to players.

How to detect a problem?

In general, no one decides to become addicted to the game, at least not consciously. This is often the result of a loss of control on the part of the player. Initially, gamblers play only for entertainment. But several factors can lead him to change his point of view or his goal towards the games. For example: the feeling that the player feels encourages him to play more, whether he wins or loses. Nevertheless, some people also play to try to forget about a problem.

Here are some signs that demonstrate that a person has become addicted to gambling.

• Lie : the person addicted to gambling tends to lie, because he wants his relatives that his relatives do not know about it.
• Desperately looking for money : the player is looking for money by all means to try to regain or recover what he lost during the previous games. He makes loans here and there, or in the worst case, he commits an illegal act.
• Obsessed with the game : the addicted player only thinks about the game, he can't wait to play again. For him, the game has become indispensable. And even if he loses several times in a row, he firmly believes that his luck will return.

How can I stay in control?

Before you venture into the world of gambling, you need to put a few essential points in mind. In this way, you will be aware of what awaits you. And you will know how to react to the temptation of gambling.

• First of all, take the time to choose the RIGHT casino. Not only the most attractive, but above all the most reliable. To do this, ask yourself: Does he have a license? What is its distribution rate? And also take into account the opinions of the players.
• Then tell yourself that playing in a casino is just a simple entertainment. Don't place too much importance on winning or losing.
• Finally, always set limits on the amount of time you will spend playing games, or especially on the budget you will spend on it.

Tips on responsible gambling

Apart from considering the game as a simple distraction and setting limits on it, we have some tips to help you play responsibly.

• Never consider gambling as a source of income, nor as a solution in case of money problems. Gambling is just a hobby.
• Once you have reached the limit that you have set for yourself, stop there. It doesn't matter if you won or lost. If you have won, cash in your winnings and treat yourself. If, on the contrary, you have lost, too bad, it's the game. Take care of yourself differently, and come back another day.
• Forbid yourself to borrow money to play, because this is how we easily fall into addiction. In addition, you may find yourself with a huge debt.
• Make sure that you always have a clear mind when you play, so that you don't have to regret any ill-considered decisions.

How can I get help?

A compulsive gambler cannot cope on his own. He needs help and support. Either from those around him, or through a support group or even a professional. Yet few dare to ask for help. The majority of people addicted to games no longer know what to do to get out of it and risk committing an irreparable act. These people need help from their loved one more than ever.

As a first step, these relatives can find out about the steps to follow and seek advice from a specialized service. They will be essential to best help the player in distress.

Secondly, it is necessary to dialogue with the person who needs help. Listen to what she has to say and try to understand her without judging her too much. It is also necessary to avoid jostling her, at the risk of upsetting her and losing her confidence. You can offer him solutions but never make the decision for him.

Then, you can also try to make him forget about the game. For example, doing other activities together, distracting him otherwise.

If the player ever relapses, don't take it as a failure, but learn a lesson from it. Avoid disappointment taking over. Try again, avoiding making the same mistakes again.

Finally, avoid lending money to a compulsive gambler at all costs, as this can awaken temptation.

Canadian local organizations

The support of loved ones is very important in the fight against gambling addiction. But sometimes it's not enough. With the help of a specialized organization, the result could be better.

Several organizations that fight drug addiction and gambling addiction offer their help to those who need it. In Canada, they exist in every province. So you can turn to one of them.

• Alberta

The Alberta Health Service has a telephone assistance program for those who have an addiction problem in drug addiction or an addiction to gambling.

A team is in charge of helping and advising young people or adults who suffer from this type of problem and who need treatment, throughout Alberta. The team is composed of specialists who are available 24/24 and 7/7.

So call 1-866-332-2322. The call is free for this service.

• British Columbia

For those who live in the province of British Columbia, the British Columbia Responsible Gaming Partnership , offers a treatment and support program at no cost and in complete confidentiality for players who need it.

Specialists are available 24/7, and offer their service free of charge to assist you online.

So, in case of need for you or for one of your loved ones who suffers from gambling addiction, contact the support service. Fill out the form on the organization's website and a person from the service will contact you within the next few days. Alternatively, you can call directly at 1-88-8-795-6111.

• Manitoba

For players who suffer from gambling addiction and live in the province of Manitoba, the Manitoba Addiction Foundation is here to help you. This organization offers various programs on which each interested party can choose the one that suits him best.

You therefore have the choice between group sessions under the assistance of a qualified advisor. During this program, the counselor guides you on a new way of living, especially without gambling.

You can also have one-on-one sessions or assistance by phone by calling 1-855-662-6605.

• New Brunswick

For players in the province of New Brunswick, who suffer from addiction and need help, they can contact " New Brunswick Health ».

You will benefit from the advice and support of a specialist by calling 1-877-999-7589 free of charge. They are ready to help you in your battle against gaming addiction.

The program includes different options: group and/or individual therapy. The goal of each speaker is not all the same, the coaches will help the players as best they can to find a lasting solution to their problem.

• Newfoundland and Labrador

For players or people who have a loved one with gambling addictions in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, you can contact Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services .

A dedicated service to advise and support people suffering from addiction is available.

You can call the number 1-877-999-7589 if you need help with your fight against gambling addiction.

• Northwest Territories

In order to help people suffering from addiction or who have a loved one in the same situation, in the Federal Territories of Northwestern Canada, NWT Health and Social Services offers a service for mental well-being and addiction recovery. Programs such as group therapies take place in the centers, supervised by a specialist. This program aims to provide psychological support and counseling for those who will need it.

The helpline is a free service and available 24/7. The teams that support this service are kept confidential. Call the number 1-800-661-0844.

• Nova Scotia

For residents of Nova Scotia, players who suffer from addiction as well as those who have a loved one with the same problem can call the Problem gambling help line at the number 1-888-347-8888. This service is available every day of the week and at any time of the day and night.

With this service, you benefit from advice and support from a specialist.

• Nunavut

In the territory of Nunavut, Nunavut Health and Social Services has several assistance programs for the community. People who have a problem with gambling addiction are taken care of by the service.

A very competent team in the field is ready to listen, advise and support these people. If you are among those who need this assistance program, you can make an appointment or call the following number directly: 1-800-265-3333. The call is 100% free and confidential.

• Ontario

The organization that supports players suffering from addiction in the province of Ontario is the ConnexOntario . She accompanies each player as well as their family (if they wish) in the fight against gambling addiction.

A toll-free number is reachable 24/7. A competent team in this field is ready to listen to you and advise you.

• Prince Edward Island

If you are in the province of Prince Edward Island and need help with gambling addiction, you can find information, advice and support on this topic on the website of PEI Health . Or, call 1-855-255-4255 directly if you need to report your problem with the game. A team is available 24/24 and 7/7 to listen to you and advise you.

• Quebec

For Quebec players who need support in the fight against gambling addiction, there are several rehabilitation centers and specialized treatment centers for this area. You can go to the website of Gambling and gambling: Help and reference to find the center that suits you and make an appointment if necessary. Or call the online service at 1-306-787-7239.

• Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan players, suffering from an addiction problem, can find help or solutions from Saskatchewan Health - Gambling . This organization offers programs including listening, counseling and support services for those who need it. A free line is dedicated to 24/7 service at 1-306-787-7239.

• Yukon territory

Players or relatives of problem gamblers in the Yukon Territory can seek help and support from " Yukon Health and Social Services "faced with their problem related to games.

You can call 1-800-661-0408 directly, it is a toll-free number that can be reached 24/7.

Conclusion

Gambling and money games are entertainment that attract more and more young people nowadays. This increase is explained on the one hand by the increase in new casinos, especially those that are online.

On the other hand, there is also the evolution of games, and especially the tempting offers they offer. Which very quickly leads gamblers into addiction.

Measures are already being taken to limit its problems. Nevertheless, there are several support centers that can accompany or support each person affected by this pathology. Do not let the game destroy your life and the lives of your loved ones, play responsibly.