March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) is shedding light on the effects that problem gambling can have on relationships, financial stability and well-being.
WCLC Spokesperson Emily Olsen says that thoughtful conversations can be an important first step in helping someone on the path to recovering from a gambling addiction.
“As soon as you’re saying accusatory things to someone who may be struggling, it can really shut them down. Make sure you’re opening up your mind and opening up the way that you’re talking about it by saying ‘I think’, ‘I feel’, ‘I’ve noticed’, ‘I’m curious about’, and giving them the space to share in the least judgmental way possible. There can be a lot of shame associated with this, and being a safe space for someone to open up about these problems can be a really great first start.”
Olsen says there are a few signs of problem gambling that a person can look out for.
“If it feels serious or stressful, and you’re noticing that stress elevate, it’s a good sign that you’re not maybe engaging with it in the healthiest way anymore. A lot people set budget limits or time limits for engaging with gaming and lottery products. If you’re frequently going over those limits and even lying about them to friends and family, maybe it’s time to check in with yourself and say ‘am I still having fun with this?’ If you feel the need to win or you’re chasing losses trying to get even, those are good indicators as well.”
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up later in the month, and the talk about luck that surrounds the holiday, Olsen says that it is important for people to remember that there is no strategy when it comes to gambling and that odds are not influenced by luck.
“People talk about how they think that their luck is going to change, people of course talk about luck in the month of March with St. Patrick’s Day. We just want to remind people that luck is not a thing that we associate with lottery. Lottery is odds, anything that can happen will, and it is completely random. There is no strategy. If you hear people talking about strategy, it’s a good time to dispel myths that they may be believing about lottery. Talk to them about the reality of gaming and of gambling and lottery.”
She adds that WCLC is launching a digital platform later in the year that will allow players to set time and budget limits on their gambling and lottery use.
Free, confidential help is available to Saskatchewan residents at 1-800-306-6789.
