CAMH Problem Gambling Service

			What is gambling? Gambling is risking money or something of value on events that have an element of chance. Types of gambling There are many types of gambling. Here are a few of the most common forms: Slot machines Casino table games, such as roulette Card games, such as poker or blackjack Lotteries Scratch tickets Bingo Nevada tickets Racetrack Sports betting Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) Office pools Internet gambling Stocks & day trading What is responsible or low-risk gambling? Most people gamble safely, for entertainment, to socialize or to try their luck or skill. They limit their time and spending to what they can afford, and they see their losses as the cost of their entertainment. They enjoy their wins, but know that they happen largely or entirely by chance. Those who gamble safely do not rely on gambling as the sole source of their 'fun,' and they have a variety of other activities that they participate in for leisure. Tips for gambling responsibly Set limits on the amount of money and time spent gambling. STICK TO THEM. Leave your credit and bank debit cards at home. Don't bring along "extra" money. If you are losing, don't chase your losses. If you are winning, remember the odds are against you keeping your winnings. Quit while you are ahead. Winning happens by chance. Balance gambling with other leisure activities. Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money or pay debts. Gamble sober. Don't borrow money to gamble. Gamble only with money you can afford to lose, part of your entertainment budget Take breaks regularly, so you don't get too focused on gambling. Remember you need to eat and drink and sitting too long in one position is not good for your circulation. Don't gamble alone. Play with friends who don't have a problem with gambling. Don't gamble if you are upset, depressed, angry or in other ways emotionally at risk. If you find yourself breaking any of these guidelines, stop gambling at once, and give yourself some time away from the games to get some distance and think about what you are doing.		En Français | Help | Search | Events | CAMH Library | Guide to CAMH | Donate Now   You are Here : CAMH > CAMH Problem Gambling Service > What is gambling? >   Related Pages What is gambling? Problem gambling Problem Gambling Project Youth Program Seniors Specialty Ethno-cultural Specialty Is there a gambling problem in your family? The experience of family members Questions for gamblers CAMH Gambling Screen (PDF only) Inventory of Gambling Situations Links & resources   How to Reach Us CAMH Publications

			For general information on addiction and mental health: Call the R. Samuel McLaughlin Addiction and Mental Health Information Centre Toll free in Ontario 1-800-463-6273 or local (416) 595-6111 www.camh.net/mclaughlin DISCLAIMER: The Centre is not able to provide diagnostic, treatment or referral services through the Internet. Individuals should contact their family doctors, or their local mental health or addiction agency for further information.		© Copyright Centre for Addiction and Mental Health 33 Russell Street, Toronto Ontario, Canada M5S 2S1. Telephone: (416) 535-8501 The Centre is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. A Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre For inquiries regarding the content of this page, contact Please direct technical questions or comments about this site to If you are a spammer or spam-harvesting robot, please send mail toimaspammer-on@lists.camh.net.
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This page was last modified on Friday, August 22, 2003 12:40 PM