Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
low-income people
Little is known about the gambling patterns of people with the lowest
incomes in Ontario. Most studies have used telephone surveys, and
many people with low incomes do not have telephones. One Ontario
study found people with incomes of less than $20,000 per year were
the most likely to experience problems with gambling, but they were
also the least likely to gamble at all. They gamble less because they do
not have the disposable income to do so. On the other hand, those
that do may run into serious financial problems quickly because their
incomes are low.
women
Women have gambling problems less frequently than men. But because
their incomes tend to be lower, they may run into serious financial
problems more quickly. On average, women still earn much less than
men. Older women and single mothers are especially affected by poverty.
Money pressures may be a greater motivation for women to gamble.
Impact of Problem Gambling
People with moderate to severe gambling problems can experience
serious social, emotional, financial and health consequences including:
• significant financial loss
• work-related difficulties including lower productivity, higher absenteeism
and job loss
• higher rates of emotional or health problems including depression,
anxiety and problems with alcohol or other drugs
• higher rates of suicide
• higher rates of marital and family breakdown
• engaging in illegal activities to support their gambling.
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