Betting on Your Future:

Copyright 2010 – BC Responsible Gambling Strategy Slide 1

Problem Gambling Help Line1-888-795-6111

For residents of British ColumbiaToll-free – 24 hours a day

British ColumbiaResponsible & Gambling Program

Gambling information and resources for residents of BC

Betting on Your Future:A Gambling

Awareness Presentation

Presented by: Margaret Sigsworth


Gambling is…

.....any experience involving a wagering, risking or betting of money or other valuables (games, iPod, etc.) on an activity of chance where money or valuables may be won or lost (unpredictable outcome).


Impulse Control• We know that when gambling becomes a problem with

youth that often it is partly an impulse control problem.• Clear off your desks and leave the give-away in front of

you. (You can trade at the end if you wish.)• Through the period think about how easy or hard it is for

you to not touch the item on your desk.• This is not a policing exercise but a way for you to be self

aware of your impulse control.


Overview• Definition of Gambling• Continuum of gambling• Influencers and Motivators• Responsible Gambling • Signs of Problem Gambling• Resources/Services


I will bet you my iPhone that I can beat you in a race to the local mall. Is this gambling or not\and why?

There is a snowboarding show at the Community Centre this weekend. There is a $25 entry fee to get in. This entry fee includes the chance to win new boots and bindings. Is this gambling or not and why?

Scenarios


What is the difference between Gambling &

Gaming?


Forms of GamblingLegal • Licensed gambling such as Bingo, casino games, horse

racing, PlayNow.bclc.com (online), lotteries, stocks, Scratch and Win tickets, 50/50 draws, raffles, pull tabs, keno, at home, sports

Illegal• Unlicensed gambling such as most Internet gambling,

sports pools, bets with a bookie, animal fights, street racing • Informal gambling with a house profit


Online Gambling• $21 billion industry in 2010 and growing• Over 2500 sites, most companies are offshore• .net (tutorials) & .com (pay to play)sites• Advertising .net sites are legal• Offshore sites outside of Canadian legal jurisdiction and

regulations• Can increase/decrease odds • Privacy – may collect info.• Legal risks – no legal recourse


Statistics• What percentage of youth will develop a problem with

gambling? 4-8%

• How many times more likely are youth to develop a gambling problem compared to adults?2-4 x

• What are the top three types of gambling that teens play?Cards 33%Lottery tickets 26%Sports pools 23%


NoGam

bling

Resp

onsib

leGam

bling

Prob

lemGam

bling

Time Money Energy Attitude

Low to Moderate Risk High Risk to Problem DevelopmentNo Risk

The Gambling Continuum


InfluencersFAMILY

EMOTIONSMEDIA

FRIENDS


What do youth say about why they gamble?

WHY?

WHY?

WHY?


Motivators• Fun - 84%• Hope to win - 74%• Bored - 65%• Wanted to join friends - 36%• I tend to win when I play - 18%• Need money - 13%• Wanted to win back money lost - 6%• Saw gambling on TV - 5%


If you choose to gamble, how can you lessen the risk?

Time?Money?Energy?ATTITUDE?


What would be a sign that someone had a problem with gambling?

Time Money Energy Attitude


Responsible Gambling Tips• Set limits: money, time, alcohol, frequency• Decide how much money you can afford to lose• Play for fun– not for money• Remember the difference between games (Facebook Poker)

and real gambling with real risks• Consider your thoughts and feelings


Responsible Gambling Tips• Keep track of time & money you spend betting• Don’t borrow money or chase losses• Know the rules and odds of the game• Take frequent breaks• Balance gambling with other activities

21


Signs of Problem Gambling• Missing school or work to gamble• Excessively monitoring sports results• Forgetting or ignoring personal hygiene• Creating gambling opportunities• Being preoccupied with gambling related activities• Losing interest in other activities you once enjoyed


Signs of Problem Gambling

• Going into debt or betting money you don’t have• Lying to others about your gambling• Giving away or selling your possessions• Stealing money or possessions to get money to gamble/bet• Using money for gambling that was intended for necessities• Feeling overly excited or depressed at the outcome of sports

events• Thoughts of Suicide


Impulse Control

So how was that?Did anyone have a hard time not touching their

gift?This can be good self knowledge!


Resources BC RGS website: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Problem Gambling Helpline: 1.888.795.6111 (24hrs)• Information and referral to free counselling for problem gamblers and

those affected (family and friends)• Information or referral, available 24hhrs, 7 days per week• Anywhere in BC• 13 languages

Great Gambling Challenge - Grade 10 Version Margaret edit Jan 12.ppt

http://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/


Gambling vs. Substance UseSimilarities• The illusion of control • Continual preoccupation • Increased tolerance over

time • Chasing the high• Provides escape • Rituals • Mood altering• Withdrawal

Differences

• Absence of physical signs • Money is the substance• Cognitive Distortions• Win has positive effect on

family and friends• Gambling is often thought

of rationalized as a positive• The perceived competition of

outwitting your opponent

Documents

Betting on Your Future: