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Gambling

 

What it is

Gambling is any activity in which a person risks money (or something of value) on an event that has an uncertain outcome. A variety of gambling activities—slot machines, VLTs, card games, lottery tickets, and games of skill—are available to Canadians, both online and offline. People often gamble to win prizes, socialize or pass the time, or to support a charity or fundraising event. Gambling is legal in Canada. While most people who gamble do it without developing problems, it does pose potential risks and health concerns.

 

Signs of a possible problem

Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling can affect a person’s whole life. You—or a loved one—may experience problems in any of the following ways.

 

Behaviour

  • missing family events
  • changing patterns of sleep, eating, or sex
  • ignoring self-care, work, school
  • neglecting kids
  • often late for work or school
  • gone for long, unexplained periods of time

 

Emotions

  • anxiety
  • mood swings or sudden outbursts of anger
  • boredom or restlessness
  • depressed or suicidal

 

Finances

  • borrowing or stealing money 
  • taking a second job without a change in finances
  • cashing in savings accounts
  • alternating between being broke and flashing money

 

Health

  • headaches
  • stomach and bowel problems
  • difficulty sleeping
  • overeating or loss of appetite

 

The Risks

Risks include spending more money than you intended to spend, falling behind at work due to time spent gambling, conflict with loved ones, and feeling hopeless, anxious and/or depressed.

 

Lowering the risk

Plan ahead for exactly how much money you’re able to spend. Set a time limit before you start and stick to this time limit by setting an alarm or having someone pick you up at that time. Use only money you can afford to lose—that is, money you’ve set aside for entertainment purposes (not for bills or food). Only gamble socially. Understand your odds of winning. Keep very close track on how much time and money you are spending. Take frequent breaks. Be aware of your motivation for gambling—if you are feeling lonely, sad or anxious, remind yourself that gambling will not help these problems in the long term (and may worsen them).

 

When to seek help

Gambling is a problem if it negatively affects your life, or the life of someone you care about—such as the signs listed above. Treatment, including counselling, is available to Nova Scotians affected by gambling. Counselling can help people understand why they gamble, so they can stop, cut down, or change their gambling habits.

 

 

Tools

SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training

 SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating)...

Visit SMART Recovery - Self-Management And Recovery Training

More Information:

Eating Disorders / Alcohol or drug use / Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling
Adults / Seniors

Wellness Together Canada

 Wellness Together Canada
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Wellness Together Canada is a mental health and substance use website to support people across Canada and Canadians living abroad in both official languages. They provide the following resources for you at no cost:

  • Immediate text support
  • Informa...
Visit Wellness Together Canada

More Information:

Anxiety / Depression / Grief / Self-Injury / Stress / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Grief / Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling
Adults / Seniors / Youth

Mental Health 101

 The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Knowledge is power. This series of free online tutorials is a starting point for learning about mental health.​ You can come away with a greater understanding of the mental health concern you are interested in knowing more about. The tutorials can...

Visit Mental Health 101

More Information:

Alcohol / Opioids / Cannabis / Nicotine & Tobacco / Gambling / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Withdrawal from friends and activities / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Alcohol or drug use / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Depression / Dementias / Eating Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Stress
Adults / Seniors / Youth

Gambling Support Network

 Government of Nova Scotia
This tool is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Tool Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the tool provider.

Five easy steps that you can take to help decide if you need to change the way you gamble. Options include text message/SMS motivational support, secure chat, group forums, online calculator and more.

Visit Gambling Support Network

More Information:

Gambling
Adults / Seniors / Youth

24 Program(s)

Access Wellness Nova Scotia
Telus Health
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals, couples or families. 

Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional and learn...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / First Nations, Indigenous

IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
IWK
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The IWK Mental Health and  Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

The Marguerite Centre
The Marguerite Centre
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

The Marguerite Centre provides a holistic, women-centred approach to recovery from substance misuse and gambling addiction. We are an inclusive, safe, non-judgmental...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Cannabis / Gambling / Opioids
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults

Gambling Support Network
Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Gambling Support Network: A confidential, dedicated, toll-free telephone service available to all Nova Scotians. Provided by Nova Scotia Health and Wellness, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Gambling
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

Gambling
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS)
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
Adults / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Caregiver, Family

211
211
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs Canada
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Families Matter in Mental Health

Hope For Mental Health
This service is not administered by Nova Scotia Health Authority. Service Information may be incorrect and/or out of date. Confirm details with the service provider.

Families Matter in Mental Health is an 11-week education and support program for family or friends who are providing practical and/or emotional support to someone who has a...

Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults
Caregiver, Family

Wellness Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Wellness Program is an ongoing, client-focused program that is based on what the client or group of clients want to work on that day. There is no waitlist or referral...

Alcohol / Cannabis / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids
Western Zone
Adults

Health Psychology
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Western Zone
Adults

Wellness Court
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Wellness Court Programs are specialty or problem-solving courts, where a team of professionals helps treat the issues contributing to the individual coming into conflict with...

Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Gambling / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Central Zone
/
Northern Zone
Adults

Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Seniors mental health services provide assessment, consultation and treatments to:

  • seniors aged 65 and older for a new onset of mental health challenges
  • individuals of...
Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Gambling / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Suicide
Central Zone
Seniors

School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) belongs to a national network of OSI Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The clinic provides mental health...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors
Canadian Forces, RCMP

Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.

...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
2SLGBTQIA+ / Black, African Nova Scotian / Canadian Forces, RCMP / Caregiver, Family / First Nations, Indigenous / First Responders

First Nations Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Children / Seniors / Youth
First Nations, Indigenous

Community Support Service (Adults)
Nova Scotia Health Authority

The Community Support Teams for Adults/Community Supports for Adults supports individuals living with persistent mental illness to develop and maintain a safe, satisfying...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Psychosis / Schizophrenia
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Dementias / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Adults / Seniors

Child and Adolescent Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / Bipolar Disorder / Cannabis / Depression / Detachment from reality (delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations) / Eating Disorders / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Grief / Grief / Nicotine & Tobacco / Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Opioids / Personality Disorders / Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) / Psychosis / Schizophrenia / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Suicide / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Central Zone
/
Eastern Zone
/
Northern Zone
/
Western Zone
Children / Youth

Adolescent Outreach Services
Nova Scotia Health Authority

Adolescent Outreach Services (AOS) is an expansion of the CaperBase model, which originated in Cape Breton. AOS focuses on providing:

  • Brief and Early Intervention
  • Screening
  • Outreach
  • Community Partnerships

The AOS model is set up for youth...

Alcohol / Alcohol or drug use / Anxiety / Cannabis / Depression / Feeling Sad or Depressed / Feeling Stressed, Anxious or Worried / Gambling / Nicotine & Tobacco / Opioids / Self-Injury / Significant tiredness, low energy and problems sleeping / Stress / Withdrawal from friends and activities
Eastern Zone
/
Western Zone
/
Northern Zone
Children / Youth

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