Ep. 90 - Are You Having Fun? Maintaining Control When Gambling
“Are you still having fun? If you’re not having fun, maybe it’s time to take a break and self-reflect on why it’s no longer fun for you.”
Most of our podcast episodes have been for those of you who are struggling with gambling and have decided to stop. We’ve been helping you through it.
This episode (and blog) is different. It’s for those of you who are currently gambling or know someone who is. We explore the fine line between recreational gambling and losing control. Our hope is that you better understand the risks when gambling and that some in our society are more vulnerable to gambling harm. We share strategies, information and tools to help you keep gambling in control, recognize warning signs of problem gambling, and know where to turn to for help.
We’re joined by two experts, Luke Clark (Director, Centre for Gambling Research at UBC) and Ryan McCarthy (Director, Player Health, British Columbia Lottery Corporation). They share the latest research and concrete strategies. They also discuss how the gambling industry and government can do more to reduce gambling harm.
Listen to episode 90 and learn:
Are you at risk for gambling getting out of control?
How to recognize warning signs of a gambling problem
Tools and strategies to help keep gambling in check
What steps to take when gambling isn’t fun anymore
LISTEN to EPISODE 90
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What Increases Risk When Gambling?
Gambling is a risky activity. However, some are more vulnerable to gambling harms than others AND some gambling activities are more risky than others. There are a range of harms that can arise from gambling. At the more severe end, it causes a great deal of stress, money problems and strain on relationships. However, even a casual gambler can experience negative impacts. For example, if gambling happens once a month but that money is needed for other household expenses.
If you gamble, it’s important to know what makes it more risky and what decreases risk.
Here’s what the research tells us about what increases the risk of problem gambling:
1. Some gambling activities are riskier than others.
Fast-paced games with frequent betting opportunies tend to be more problemmatic. Online gambling can also get out of control more easily because of the easy access and faster deposits. Higher risk is found with:
Electronic gaming machines (slots, VLTs)
Online gambling
In-play sports betting
2. Engaging in more than one type of gambling activity increases risk for gambling problems, e.g. if you bet on sports and also play online slots
3. Some groups in society are more vulnerable to gambling harm.
Here’s what the research tells us about who might have increased risk:
Young adults, particularly males aged 19-35 are at higher risk due to risk-seeking behaviour, especially if they have been exposed to gambling at an early age
Mental health conditions (Anxiety, Depression, ADHD) and/or a history of substance use concerns can make gambling more difficult to control
Marginalized communities, including Indigneous and migrant communities have been found to experience higher rates of gambling problems
Strategies and Tools for Maintaining Control When Gambling
If you gamble, particularly with games that have higher risk, use strategies and tools to help you monitor and reduce the chances it will get out of control. Here’s effective strategies:
Set limits with your time and spending and monitor whether you stick to these limits: Often machines and gambling apps have tools to help with this.
Understand common ways that gambling messes with your thinking: It’s common when gambling to believe that you’re “due” for a win or that you can influence the chance of a win with a certain strategy. Recognize when this “distorted thinking” is showing up for you and remind yourself that gambling has random outcomes and that in the long-run you always pay for the entertainment of gambling.
Recognize Warning Signs: if you are going beyond your time and spending limits with gambling, chasing after losses, and feeling stressed and anxious, these are key signs of a gambling problem. To take a self-test, visit Gamblers’ Anonymous’ Twenty Questions or take this self-test. Reach out to the Player Health staff of the gambling venue or company to talk about options to help. In BC, contact GameSense.
For more information on reducing the risk of gambling, visit Canada’s Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines.
When It’s Not Fun Anymore: Strategies, Tools and Help
When you notice signs in yourself or someone you care about that gambling is causing stress and problems, there are a number of strategies and tools as well as help available to help you regain a sense of control. Here’s some options:
Use digital and financial tools to take a break or block access: most gambling companies offer the option to take a break, self-exclude or shut down your account. Software is also available to block access to all online gambling (e.g. GamBan). You can also contact your bank or the companies that facilitate e-transfers to block transactions to gambling websites.
Get guidance and support: The British Columbia Lottery Corporation has GameSense advisors available by chat and phone to help you figure out a plan when gambling gets out of control. Many jurisidctions have a gambling support line and free counselling for those experiencing gambling harm. In British Columbia, reach out to Gambling Support BC. You can also connect with Gamblers Anonymous online and in person throughout the world, as well as other recovery groups and meetings. See our list of free online gambling supports groups below. It is common to want to keep gambling concerns to yourself, but most people say it’s a relief and helpful to talk to people who understand and who can share what works.
To hear more from Ryan McCarthy and Luke Clark about how to maintain control with gambling, listen to episode 90 of Fold em. Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog or the red Listen Now to Fold em button at the bottom.
Related Fold em Episodes
To learn more about recognizing risk factors and how the gambling industry and government can help reduce problem gambling, listen to episode 84 of Fold em which features Dr. Nigel Turner from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Listen now to episode eighty four of Fold em by clicking on the play button below.
What Support is Available to Help With Gambling Concerns?
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website or listen to other episodes of Fold em.
Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
We welcome your feedback and ideas for topics for upcoming episodes. Reach out through the Contact Us page on this website or through email at Foldempodcast@gmail.com.
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