CMHA recognizes March as Problem Gambling Month

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, an annual initiative to raise public awareness about the potential harms from gambling through prevention, treatment, referral and recovery services. With the increasing prevalence and access to online gambling – especially with online poker and sports betting – having a better understanding of the signs and symptoms that separate recreational and problem gambling can be helpful to those struggling with gambling, their loved ones and our community as a whole.

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is part of our brains’ reward system, is released in large amounts when gambling in much the same way as when using drugs/alcohol. The brain learns which substance/behavior produces that reaction and then seeks it out. Your brain can become dependent on gambling in a similar way it can become dependent on substances; while many people gamble recreationally, for some gambling can become problematic.

People experiencing problem gambling often report:

• Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired level of excitement
• Being restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Feeling preoccupied with thoughts of gambling
• Gambling when feeling distressed to cope with difficult emotions.

Gambling-related harms often include financial loss, mental health issues, substance use, and suicidal ideation. These factors can result in long-lasting impacts on individuals and their families. Youth are particularly at-risk.

If you are concerned about gambling for yourself or a loved one, there are several local resources that provide assistance for gambling issues, as follows:

Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Services | Connex Ontario

Addiction Mobile Response Team – Community and Mental Health Services – CAMHS

Responsible Gambling | SOAR Community Services

To learn more about the risks from gambling, try this quick, anonymous, self-assessment tool. CCSA has created resources for partners and interested parties to promote the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGGs). A gambling and gaming information sheet for post-secondary students can be found here.

Additional Resources

Additional Resources for Problem Gambling:
Problem Gambling: The Issues, The Options
Problem Gambling: A Guide For Parents
Problem Gambling: A Guide For Families