Women and Problem Gambling: When dreams become nightmares
I used to feel good about myself. I had a successful career. I was good with money, honest and dependable. All that has changed.
The roulette wheel has spun my world into chaos. I hate lying to my boss, cheating the bank, scrambling to pay bills, living
in fear. – Kate
It started as fun, buying a few scratch tickets. I felt lucky when I won $1000. I thought it was an easy way to get extra
money to treat the kids. Soon I was buying tickets every day. I was spending the little money we had. The kids want to know
why we never have any food or fun anymore. – Rosa
After my husband died, friends took me to the casino for a night out. I loved the slots, the noise, the special treatment.
It helped me forget my grief and fill the lonely hours. I started going on my own, and moved from the quarter to the dollar
slots. How can I tell my kids I’ve lost all the money their father worked so hard to save? I’m so ashamed. I’m glad my husband
isn’t here to see what I’ve done. – Gladys
These women have run into trouble with gambling. Like many people who begin gambling for money, fun or time out from everyday
worries, they have become trapped. Winning can create an urge to play more and create hopes of even bigger wins. Losing leads
to desperate efforts to win back the money. The spiral is downward as the gambler moves through cycles of despair and hope.
Over time, the debts mount as selfesteem plummets. The dreams become nightmares.
Women and Problem Gambling
With increased acceptance of gambling, and easy access to it, women have been swept into the gambling current. For some, the
high of the action, or the escape of gambling, becomes addictive. Ultimately it can threaten relationships, disrupt work,
damage values, create financial and legal problems and impact on moods.
Problem gambling can affect any woman. It affects as many women as men. Sometimes it is related to other life issues such
as troubled relationships, a history of trauma, abuse, loss, mental health concerns or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Problem gambling tends to be invisible. A woman struggling with urges to gamble, and the pain of losing control, may be secretive
– silenced by shame, guilt and fear. She may feel isolated and overwhelmed by mounting financial, spiritual and emotional
losses. She often lacks the support to make changes. Family and friends may be judgmental or rejecting.
Turning on the Lights
For years my friends and I played bingo every week. When I was laid off I started to play more often. The kids were grown
and I was bored. My husband worried about the money and the changes in our relationship. It was hard to cut back, but with
his help, and the support of my women’s group, I’m enjoying life without going crazy at bingo. – June
My whole family gambled. When I was young my mom took me to the track every day. My dad played poker with my uncles. I met
my husband in Vegas. He went to jail for gambling related crimes… I went for help. I’m learning about balance, about being
gentle but assertive, about honouring my needs and feelings, about self-respect. I feel so much more in control of my life
and my future. – Fiona
I gave everything I had to be the perfect wife. Gambling was my only break. Eventually it broke me. I collapsed in exhaustion
trying to keep the secret. It’s been a journey of discovery to share my struggles with others, to have someone to listen and
care. – Suelyn
Women often nurture and care for others while neglecting their own needs. These women have found the support of a treatment
program critical to re-establishing a healthy, balanced lifestyle that promotes a sense of well-being.
Some Problem Gambling Warning Signs
Do You…
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gamble more often, or with more money, than you intend?
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chase losses?
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neglect family, friends, self or work in order to gamble?
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gamble to escape worries or troubles?
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constantly think of gambling?
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hope for a “big win” to resolve financial or other problems?
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borrow money or juggle funds to gamble or pay debts?
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have conflicts with others over money or gambling?
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have mood swings because of your gambling, or experience anger, depression, suicidal thoughts or anxiety?
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continue to gamble despite negative consequences and efforts at control?
If you would like support to cut down, or to stop gambling, contact the Problem Gambling Service. Our services are free and
confidential. Our women’s program aims to be accessible and responsive to the unique needs and concerns of women. We strive
to maintain a climate of safety and respect.
We offer:
We are funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to offer help to all gamblers and/or family members who
are concerned about gambling.
For more information please contact:
Problem Gambling Service
175 College Street
Toronto, Ontario M5T 1P7
Tel.: 416-599-1322
Toll-Free: 1-888-647-4414
Fax: 416-599-1324
E-mail: gambling@camh.net
For information on addiction and mental health issues or other resources, please contact the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s 24-hour Information Line:
Ontario toll-free: 1-800-463-6273
Toronto: 416-595-6111
To make a donation, please contact:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation
Tel.: 416-979-6909
E-mail: foundation@camh.net
Web site: www.camh.net
Centre for Addiction
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