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Maximizing the Fun

There is a great deal of variation in the amount of money and time that people spend gambling, as well as the types of gambling activities. Some gamble only on the weekly lotteries; others participate in the occasional poker tournament. While most people gamble for fun and excitement-as well as the potential of winning - a few become overly involved to the point that gambling is no longer an enjoyable activity.

To maximize the fun of gambling, and to keep it in perspective, we've created the following 'measuring stick' to help you know where you stand.

Because each person's level of involvement is different, viewing gambling on a continuum offers a more realistic idea of how people gamble. As well, it also shows how people move back and forth on the continuum depending on life circumstances.

Continuum

No Gambling	Studies show that approximately 11% of adults in Nova Scotia do not gamble at all.
Social/Recreational	No established pattern of gambling Gambling is one of many social/leisure interests Expectation of losing money Primary motivation to gamble is for fun, enjoyment Does not experience any negative emotional consequences from gambling Gambling does not negatively impact key life areas, i.e. relationships, work, finances
Serious Social	Increased frequency of gambling/spends more money May be an established pattern to gambling, i.e. weekly poker tourney May experience some pre-occupation with gambling Gambling does not negatively impact key life area, i.e. relationships, work, finances Primary motivations to gamble may extend beyond fun, enjoyment, e.g. competition
Harmful Involvement	Increased frequency of gambling/spends more money Continues to gamble in spite of negative consequences, i.e. relationships, work, finances Experiences a moderate/high level of pre-occupation with gambling Experiences mood fluctuations consistent with gambling outcomes Uses/hides degree of gambling involvement Develops/maintains cognitive distortions that support gambling involvement Engages in chasing behavior to recoup monies lost Gambling becomes more of a need versus choice May gamble to escape/cope with life problems/stressors
Dependent Involvement	Has little/no ability to exercise control over gambling/spending Experiences a high level of pre-occupation with gambling Emotionally detached from adverse consequences of gambling Gambling becomes a need Experiences physical/psychological discomfort when away from gambling Exhibits signs of desperation/self harm

No Gambling

On one end of the measuring stick is 'no gambling'. Studies show that approximately 11% of adults in Nova Scotia do not gamble at all.

Social/Recreational

Our second point is 'social/recreational' gambling, where approximately 80% of people are represented. Whether it's a night out for dinner at the casino and a few spins on the slots, or an occasional afternoon of horse racing, people who gamble at the social/recreational level treat gambling like they would any other recreational activity.

Serious Social

There is also 'serious social' gambling, in which individuals gamble more often and treat gambling as a serious activity. They may regularly participate in poker tournaments, study and bet often on sports, or visit the casino regularly. So, while their gambling is serious, it doesn't negatively affect important areas of their lives, such as finances, work or relationships.

Harmful Involvement

A small percentage of players become 'harmfully involved' with gambling, creating negative consequences. Important life areas, such as family relationships, health and finances may be affected. As well, some of these individuals may feel gambling is the only way to cope or deal with problems.

Dependent Involvement

The most serious level of gambling is 'dependent involvement.' This is a very unhealthy relationship with gambling; not only is the individual experiencing serious negative consequences from gambling, but they also exhibit little or no control over it.

In General

As an individual moves from social/recreational gambling to harmful and dependent involvement, gambling-related thoughts, behaviours and impacts change in noticeable ways. Examples of these changes include:

• Increased playing frequency and spending amounts.
• Increased time thinking about gambling.
• Becoming more secretive about time and money spent gambling.
• Increased financial pressures and stresses related to gambling.
• Increased irritability and mood swings related to gambling.
• Increased cognitive distortions related to gambling (e.g. being "due" for a win).
• Chasing losses (continuing to play to try to "win back" money that's been lost) becomes more serious and more desperate.
• More areas of life become negatively affected (e.g. health, work, relationships).
• Decreased time spent with friends and family.
• Increased emphasis on gambling while other previously important activities are neglected or dropped altogether.
• Gambling becomes a "need" versus a "choice."