For a number of people in Canada, life is literally a gamble. In fact, it can be vicious circle of compulsive gambling at casinos or through other venues, and it often results in serious debt.
Problem gambling is no small matter within society. For example, studies over the last decade by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre have shown that 35 per cent of all annual provincial gambling revenues come from problem gamblers. This translates to well over a billion dollars of the more than $4 billion in gambling revenues that the Province of Ontario collects.
That’s a lot of dough – and a lot of gamblers who need to go straight and get their financial priorities in order.
Problem gambling can’t be called substance abuse, but it highlights the characteristics of addictive behaviour. I’m talking about compulsive gambling habits that compromise, disrupt or otherwise damage personal relationships, and that can even put livelihoods in jeopardy.
Gambling can be very much like an addictive drug. It just comes down to moderation – or a lack of it. The gambling addict starts small and moves up to bigger thrills, so to speak. And once the addiction sets in, it’s hard to break, with life circumstances frequently spiralling out of control in chronic situations.
In very serious cases, the gambling addict faces financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family - and suicide is not out of the question.
So what can be done about it? That’s simple. Contact us here at Credit Canada and we’ll give you – and get you – the help you need both psychologically and materially in relation to changing behaviour and managing debt.
Of course, as with any addiction, the first and most important step to overcoming the problem must be taken by the problem gambler. He or she must recognize the problem, with a real desire to responsibly address it.
In a nutshell, life doesn’t have to be a gamble for the problem gambler. All he or she needs is some honest self-reflection, and a helping hand that isn’t extended over a card table.
