UNDERSTANDING THE GAME

Gambling has long been an aspect of traditions among aboriginal culture. In the past, gambling had its place during ceremonies and celebrations inside the community when it was used to teach different skills.

The traditional use of gambling has changed, but the definition is nonetheless the same: the gambling means betting money or valuables on an activity whose outcome is unpredictable. Nowadays, these activities include bingo, scratch tickets, pull-tabs, horseracing, casino games, slot machines etc. However, in Aboriginal culture when gambling becomes a problem it is not only the individual who’s affected, as the repercussions are felt on his family and the entire community.

Low- risk players understand that they can be lucky from time to time, but that they still lose money eventually. They know the rules of the game. Low-risk gambling is a way to play with little risk of losing control. The low-risk gambling key is to realize that “it’s just a game”.

Balance
Wellness
Healthy Living
This is a game

PREVENTING THE RISKS:

  • Preserving the values of the Seven taught: love, honesty, respect, bravery, humility, truth and wisdom
  • Do not gamble to escape your problems  - find alternatives to gambling in your community
  • Assess how much you can afford to lose and respect the limit
  • Never borrow to gamble
  • Make sure your children are safe and that they receive good care (protection and food)
  • Plan family activities that do not involves gambling
  • Do not make gambling a reward or rite of passage, for example, going to bingo to celebrate a 16th anniversary
  • Look for help within your community:
  • Discuss with elders
  • Speak with a spiritual adviser
  • Consider participating in a discussion group
  • Communicate with the Well-being Centre of your community

SIGNS OF PROBLEMS?
Addicted gamblers lose sight that the game is only ‘a game’.  They may regard gambling as a source of income. They often believe they possess chance or special talents. When they lose money, they tend to “run to their loss”, focusing even more to regain the money lost.

What follows then is a vicious circle of losses getting more and more important.

  • Do you leave your children alone or with members of the community for extended periods to go gambling?
  • Do you bet the money needed for your family to pay the rent / mortgage, groceries, clothing or heating?
  • Do you believe you have to play in order to spend time with people you love?
  • Are you ignoring your family responsibilities or community to go play?
  • When you are with your family, at work or in social activities, do you constantly think about your next bet?
  • Do you see the gambling as a source of income?

If you answered yes at one or another of the above questions, you can find help.

If you live problems facing your gambling habits or if you want to help a relative who has a gambling addiction, do not hesitate.

Call now at the following number;

1 866 SOS-JEUX (1 866 767-5389)

  • Support and listening line
  • Free Service
  • Strictly confidential
  • Anonymous
  • Bilingual
  • Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, everywhere in Quebec

The service aims to offer an attentive ear and provide relevant information to break the addiction to gambling and money.