Learn the warning signs of a problem

There are many signs that may indicate gambling has become a problem. Ask yourself the following questions – the more “yes” responses you have, the greater the chance of a problem:

• Do you lose time from work or education due to gambling?
• Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
• Are you gambling to try and make money to pay debts?
• After a loss, do you feel you need to gamble again to recoup your losses?
• After a win, do you have a strong urge to try and win even more?
• Do you gamble until all your money is gone?
• Do you borrow money to gamble?
• Are you gambling to escape dealing with problems?
• Are you experiencing extreme highs from gambling wins and extreme lows from gambling losses?
• Do you find it difficult to control, stop or cut down on gambling or feel irritable when trying to do so?

Problem Gambling Help Line

If you or someone you know has issues around controlling gambling behaviours and are looking for help, please call the B.C. Problem Gambling Help Line at 1-888-795-6111 for help and support.

The Help Line and counseling services are offered free-of-charge by the Province of British Columbia.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program

If you want to take a break from gambling or stop altogether, the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program can help. The program enables you to voluntarily exclude yourself from all facilities with slot machines, commercial bingo halls, or from accessing BCLC's online gambling site, PlayNow.com, for a predetermined amount of time.

Learn more about the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program.

GameSense Info Centres & GameSense Advisors

GameSense Info Centres (GSICs) are interactive kiosks located on or near the gaming floor in all B.C. casinos and community gaming centres. At GSICs, you will find information and resources to help you make informed decisions if you play.

GameSense Advisors staff the GSICs and are trained to answer your questions on topics including how games work, odds of winning and losing, and myths about gambling. They can offer confidential support should gambling become a problem.

Learn more about GameSense Info Centres and GameSense Advisors.

GamTalk

GamTalk is a free online forum where people can share their gambling-related experiences and ideas, ask questions, or discuss a problem related to gambling. Whether you have a gambling problem yourself or are concerned about a family member or a friend, the GamTalk community is there to support you.

GamTalk is sponsored by a consortium of gaming jurisdictions from across Canada, including BCLC. Go to GamTalk now.

Links for more info

British Columbia Partnership for Responsible Gambling
www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling
www.cprg.ca

BC Ministry of Health Services: Mental Health and Substance Abuse
www.health.gov.bc.ca/mhd/

Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org

GamTalk - a free online forum
www.gamtalk.org

Gamblers Anonymous - for those who have a desire to stop gambling
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Gam-Anon - for the spouse, family or close friend of problem gamblers
www.gam-anon.org