Frequently Asked Questions
Problem Gambling
Q: What is problem gambling?
A: Problem gambling includes all gambling behaviour patterns that compromise,
disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. In extreme
cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems,
loss of career and family, or even suicide.
Q: What causes problem gambling?
A: Gambling in Canada is a well-regulated form of adult entertainment
and is a pleasurable pastime for the majority of participants. However,
some people do experience problems associated with their gambling, and
may seek help from a variety of professional resources. There is no one
cause or precipitating factor in problem gambling, generally it's a combination
of social, biological and psychological factors. The problem might be
overt with individuals or families seeking help from a professional
that deals specifically with problem gambling. People encountering difficulties
associated with gambling often experience emotional, financial, family,
legal, or substance abuse problems, and may seek help from a variety of
other resources that do not specifically deal with problem gambling. The
presenting problem may be linked with problem gambling; however, gambling
may not be initially identified as a primary problem.
Q: How widespread is problem gambling in British Columbia?
A: The British Columbia Problem Gambling Study (March 2003) shows that
most people in B.C who gamble do so for entertainment and gamble responsibly.
However, about 4.6% of British Columbians have problems relating to gambling.
That represents over 120,000 people in B.C.
Q: What kind of people become problem gamblers?
A: Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the
risks and do not gamble responsibly. When gambling behaviour interferes
with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already
exists.
Q: Does problem gambling happen more frequently
in some parts of the province or amongst certain populations?
A: Recent research in BC does show a higher participation in gambling
in the North and in people aged 19 to 24. Some research indicates there
are vulnerable populations for a variety of social and economic reasons;
however, there is no strong evidence to confirm that in BC.
Q: Can children or teenagers develop gambling problems?
A: There is no legal form of gambling available to anyone under 19 in
BC. However, some youth participate in illegal forms of gambling, such
as gambling on the internet. Some research that shows children may be
more likely to develop problems related to gambling than adults. While
debate continues on this issue, there appears to be a number of factors
influencing this finding. Parental role modeling is key, in that parents
present a model on how to cope with stress. Age of exposure plays a part,
in that adults who seek treatment for problem gambling report having started
gambling at an early age. A number of adolescents reported a preoccupation
with everything related to gambling prior to developing problems.
Q: Isn't problem gambling really the result of irresponsible or weak-willed people?
A: No. Many people who develop problems have been viewed as responsible
and strong by those who care about them. Precipitating factors often lead
to a change in behaviour, such as retirement or job related stress.
Q: Is there a link between problem gambling and chemical dependency?
A: Though people can develop problems related to gambling without having
a problem with alcohol or other substances, there does appear to be evidence
of family patterns regarding dependency. Many people who develop gambling
related problems report one or both parents had a drinking and or gambling
problem.
Q: Is problem gambling associated with other mental health problems?
A: Problem gambling often exists in isolation of any other mental health
issue. Loss of judgment and excessive gambling may occur during a manic
episode with someone who has a bipolar disorder. Many people who have
problems with gambling report symptoms of depression. Some people state
their depressive symptoms were alleviated while gambling, only to return
once the gambling behaviour ceased. Others who have been diagnosed with
an antisocial personality disorder can also experience problems related
to gambling.
Q: What types of gambling cause the most problem gambling?
A: Anecdotal reports indicate that the faster the wager to response time with
a game, the more likely players are to develop problems with a particular game.
Many believe video lottery terminals pose the most risk for developing problems
as they have the fastest wager to response time of any game type. More research
is required in this area to determine if this is a fact.
Frequently Asked Questions – Gambling in BC
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