Understanding Problem Gambling
What Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling — sometimes called gambling disorder — is when a person's gambling behaviour causes significant harm to themselves or others. It is not about how much money someone spends or how often they gamble. It is about whether gambling is negatively affecting their life, relationships, finances, or mental health.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. It often develops gradually, starting with recreational gambling that slowly becomes more frequent and harder to control. Many people who develop gambling problems do not realise it is happening until the consequences become serious.
on.bet365.ca takes this issue seriously. We know that a small percentage of our players may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm, and we have a responsibility to do everything we can to minimise that risk. That is why we invest in responsible gaming tools, staff training, and proactive player monitoring.
Common Warning Signs
Problem gambling does not always look the same for everyone, but there are some common patterns to watch for:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended on a regular basis.
- Feeling a strong urge to gamble that is difficult to resist, even when you know you should stop.
- Lying to family members or friends about how much you gamble or how much you have lost.
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities because of gambling.
- Continuing to gamble despite repeated attempts to cut back or stop.
- Experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression related to gambling outcomes.
- Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or emotional pain.
Protecting People Around You
Problem gambling does not only affect the person gambling — it affects families, friends, and colleagues too. If someone you care about is showing signs of a gambling problem, it can be difficult to know how to help. The most important thing is to approach the conversation with empathy rather than judgment.
Encourage them to use the responsible gaming tools available on on.bet365.ca, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are concerned about a family member's gambling on our platform, you can contact our support team at [email protected] for guidance on what steps can be taken.
Gambling and Financial Health
One of the most common consequences of problem gambling is financial difficulty. Chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, and spending beyond your means can quickly lead to serious debt. on.bet365.ca strongly encourages all players to treat gambling as a form of entertainment with a fixed budget — just like going to the cinema or eating out.
Never gamble with money that is earmarked for rent, bills, food, or other essential expenses. If you find yourself in financial difficulty as a result of gambling, please reach out to our support team. We can help you put account restrictions in place immediately and point you toward financial support resources.
If gambling is causing you financial hardship, emotional distress, or relationship problems, please contact on.bet365.ca support immediately at [email protected]. We are here to help you take back control.