What Is Problem Gambling? Signs, Causes and Treatment

Problem gambling is gambling behaviour that causes harm to a person’s finances, health, relationships, work, school, or daily life. A person does not need to gamble every day, lose a certain amount of money, or receive a formal diagnosis for their gambling to be a problem. Support may be helpful whenever gambling becomes difficult to control or begins affecting important parts of life.

Problem gambling can involve sports betting, online casinos, slot machines, lottery tickets, card games, bingo, or other forms of gambling. This guide explains what problem gambling means, the signs and symptoms to watch for, why gambling problems can develop, and the treatment options available in Ontario. You can also use the ConnexOntario program directory to find problem gambling services near you.

Key Takeaways

• Problem gambling is gambling that causes financial, emotional, physical, social, or practical harm.  
• A person does not need a gambling disorder diagnosis before seeking support.  
• Common signs include chasing losses, hiding gambling, borrowing money, missing responsibilities, and being unable to cut back.  
• Gambling problems often develop through a mix of stress, personal circumstances, gambling access, product design, and other factors.  
• Treatment may include counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational support, peer support, financial guidance, and help for family members.  
• Recovery is possible, and support can begin before gambling reaches a crisis.  
• ConnexOntario provides free and confidential service navigation throughout Ontario, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  
• Search ConnexOntario’s directory for problem gambling services in Ontario.  

Problem Gambling Definition

Problem gambling is a pattern of gambling that causes harm to the person who gambles or to the people around them.

The harm may affect money, mental or physical health, relationships, work, school, housing, or other areas of daily life. Problem gambling can range from early concerns to severe and ongoing harm.

Gambling means risking something of value, usually money, on an uncertain result in the hope of winning a prize or reward. It can include buying lottery tickets, betting on sports, using slot machines, playing casino games, or gambling online.¹

Not everyone who gambles develops a problem. Gambling-related harm exists on a range. One person may notice a few early concerns, while another may face serious debt, damaged relationships, or difficulty stopping.

Gambling becomes a problem when it gets in the way of work or other activities, harms physical or mental health, creates financial difficulties, or damages family and social relationships.²

Is Problem Gambling the Same as Gambling Addiction?

The terms problem gambling, gambling addiction, and gambling disorder are related, but they do not always mean exactly the same thing.

Problem gambling is a broad term for gambling that causes harm. It can describe mild, moderate, or severe problems.

Gambling addiction is a common phrase used when someone feels unable to control their gambling despite serious consequences.

Gambling disorder is the formal clinical diagnosis for persistent or repeated gambling behaviour that causes significant distress or disrupts a person’s life.

Gambling disorder is recognized as an addictive disorder. However, a person can experience serious harm without meeting the full criteria for that diagnosis. CAMH reports that up to 85% of gambling-related harm occurs among people who do not meet the criteria for gambling disorder.¹

This means people do not need to wait for a diagnosis, a major debt, or a complete loss of control before asking for help.

How Common Is Problem Gambling in Ontario?

Gambling is common in Ontario. CAMH’s 2024 Gambling Policy Framework cites data showing that nearly 70% of Ontario adults had participated in some form of gambling during the previous year. An estimated 1.2% meet the criteria for problem gambling.¹

Those figures do not include everyone experiencing some level of gambling-related harm. A person may struggle with debt, stress, relationship conflict, or missed responsibilities even when their gambling does not meet the criteria for a disorder.

Access to gambling has also changed. Sports betting, online casino games, and other gambling products may be available at almost any time through a phone, tablet, or computer. CAMH identifies greater gambling exposure, rapid play, frequent betting opportunities, near misses, and losses presented with celebratory features as factors that may increase the risk of harm.¹

What Are the Signs of Problem Gambling?

The signs of problem gambling are not always easy to recognize. Some people hide their gambling or losses because they feel ashamed, fear how others will react, or hope another win will fix the situation.

One sign does not prove that someone has a gambling problem. Look for repeated patterns and changes in gambling behaviour, finances, mood, relationships, or responsibilities.

Changes in gambling behaviour

Possible signs include:

• Gambling for longer or spending more than planned
• Trying to win back losses by gambling again
• Making unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop
• Thinking about gambling much of the time
• Gambling to escape stress, sadness, or loneliness
• Continuing despite clear financial or relationship problems

Trying to win back lost money is often called chasing losses. It can create a cycle in which one loss leads to another bet, larger losses, and more pressure to keep gambling.

Financial warning signs

Financial signs may include:

• Unpaid bills or unexplained debt
• Frequent requests to borrow money
• Money missing from savings or shared accounts
• New loans, credit cards, or lines of credit
• Using money needed for food, rent, or other essentials
• Hiding financial statements or gambling transactions

The amount lost is not the only measure of harm. A gambling loss becomes serious when it affects a person’s ability to meet their needs or the needs of their household.

Emotional and daily-life signs

A person may also:

• Become anxious, irritable, secretive, or defensive
• Feel guilty, ashamed, depressed, or hopeless
• Have difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Miss work, school, appointments, or family events
• Lose interest in hobbies or relationships
• Break promises about reducing or stopping gambling

Many people experiencing gambling problems report losing control over how much time and money they spend while other responsibilities are ignored.²

For a more detailed list, read ConnexOntario’s article about the early warning signs of problem gambling.

Do I Have a Gambling Problem?

It may be time to seek support when gambling is causing harm, feels difficult to control, or takes more time and money than you want it to.

Ask yourself:

• Do I spend more time or money gambling than I plan to?
• Do I gamble again to try to recover losses?
• Have I borrowed money or used household funds to gamble?
• Have I hidden or lied about my gambling?
• Has gambling affected my mood, sleep, work, school, or relationships?
• Have I tried to cut back or stop without success?
• Do I believe a large win is the only way to solve my financial problems?

CAMH provides the Problem Gambling Severity Index as one tool for considering the level of gambling risk. A higher score suggests a greater risk of gambling-related problems, but a screening questionnaire does not replace an assessment from a qualified professional.²

You do not need to answer yes to every question before reaching out. One concern may be enough when gambling affects safety, money, health, or daily life.

What Causes Problem Gambling?

There is no single cause of problem gambling. Gambling problems often develop through a mix of personal circumstances, emotional needs, social influences, access to gambling, and the way gambling products are designed.

It is not accurate or helpful to describe problem gambling as simply a lack of willpower.

Stress and major changes

Some people gamble more during periods of:

• Financial or employment stress
• Relationship conflict, separation, or grief
• Retirement, illness, or a major life change
• Boredom, loneliness, or social isolation
• Anxiety, depression, or trauma

Gambling may begin as entertainment or as a way to escape difficult feelings. Over time, it can become part of a cycle: stress leads to gambling, gambling losses create more stress, and the person gambles again for relief or to recover money.

CAMH identifies financial difficulties, recent losses or life changes, loneliness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and using gambling to cope as possible risk factors.²

Beliefs about luck and control

Certain beliefs can make continued gambling seem reasonable:

• “I am due for a win.”
• “My luck has to change.”
• “I can win back the money.”
• “I almost won, so I should try again.”
• “I have a system that improves my chances.”

Gambling outcomes are often random, but near wins and occasional rewards can make them feel predictable. A person may begin to believe that skill, persistence, or one more bet will change the outcome.

Access, advertising, and product design

Personal circumstances are only part of the picture. CAMH emphasizes that gambling harm is also shaped by the environment in which gambling takes place. As gambling opportunities increase, exposure and the risk of harm can also increase.¹

Features that may raise the risk include:

• Fast results and frequent betting opportunities
• Easy mobile access
• Changing or high bet sizes
• Near-miss results
• Promotional offers and repeated advertising
• Sounds or images that make losses feel like wins

Online gambling can take place privately and at almost any time. This may make it harder for the person or the people around them to notice how much time or money is being spent.

Risk factors do not determine whether someone will develop a gambling problem. They help explain why support must consider the person’s full circumstances rather than focusing only on self-control.

How Can Problem Gambling Affect a Person’s Life?

Problem gambling can affect more than finances. Possible effects include:

• Debt or loss of savings
• Difficulty paying for housing, food, or medication
• Anxiety, depression, shame, or sleep problems
• Conflict, broken trust, or relationship breakdown
• Problems at work or school
• Increased alcohol or substance use
• Legal or housing concerns
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviour

Mental health, relationships, work, education, housing, finances, domestic violence, economic abuse, and legal concerns have been identified in research as areas that may be affected by harmful gambling.³

Gambling-related distress can become urgent, especially after a large loss or when debt and hopelessness feel overwhelming. Call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department if someone may harm themselves or another person.

What Treatment Is Available for Gambling Addiction in Ontario?

Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. The most appropriate treatment depends on the person’s gambling patterns, goals, health, finances, relationships, safety, and preferred type of support.

Treatment in Ontario may include the following options.

Problem gambling counselling

Counselling provides a private place to discuss how gambling is affecting a person’s life. It may help someone:

• Understand triggers and patterns
• Set goals for reducing or stopping
• Develop ways to manage gambling urges
• Challenge beliefs about luck and winning
• Repair relationships and rebuild routines
• Prepare for setbacks or a return to gambling

CAMH states that free problem gambling counselling is available in Ontario for people who gamble and for others affected by their gambling. Available programs and formats vary by location, and may include individual, family, telephone, day, or residential services.²

ConnexOntario can help confirm what is currently available in a person’s community. Learn more about problem gambling counselling and treatment in Ontario.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy, commonly called CBT, helps people identify connections among their thoughts, feelings, urges, and gambling behaviour.

It may help someone challenge beliefs such as being due for a win or having a system that can predict random results. It can also help with planning for triggers, reducing access to gambling, and developing other ways to manage stress.

Current guidance recommends group CBT for gambling-related harms and individual CBT when group treatment is not suitable or is declined. Treatment should be provided by appropriately trained professionals and adapted to the person’s needs.³

Motivational and peer support

Some people are unsure whether they want to stop or reduce their gambling. Motivational support can help them consider how gambling fits with their goals, what they may want to change, and what could make change easier.

Peer-support groups and trained peer workers can connect people with others who understand gambling harm and recovery. Peer support may reduce shame and isolation while providing practical ideas for managing urges and rebuilding routines.

Research recommends considering brief motivational support for people who are reluctant to seek further help and including peer support as part of treatment where appropriate.³

Financial safeguards and access controls

Treatment may be supported by practical steps such as:

• Reviewing debts and essential expenses
• Blocking gambling websites or apps
• Closing gambling accounts
• Using self-exclusion options
• Limiting access to credit or cash
• Getting qualified debt or financial advice

These tools can create distance between an urge and the opportunity to gamble. They are often most effective when combined with counselling or another form of support.

Mental health and family support

A person may need help with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, sleep problems, suicidal thoughts, or other areas of their mental health alongside gambling treatment. Coordinated care can help address the full situation.3

Family members can also seek support without waiting for the person who gambles to enter treatment. Help may include learning about problem gambling, setting boundaries, protecting household finances, coping with stress, or preparing for a conversation.³

Can Someone Recover From Problem Gambling?

Yes. People can recover from problem gambling and gambling disorder.

Recovery may include stopping gambling, reducing gambling, rebuilding finances, improving mental health, repairing relationships, or creating a safer daily routine. Different people may set different goals, and those goals can change over time.

A return to gambling does not mean recovery has failed. It may show that a treatment or safety plan needs to be reviewed. Counselling, peer support, access controls, and relapse-prevention planning can help someone respond sooner and reduce further harm.

Reaching out early can make it easier to address concerns before they grow into a larger financial, emotional, or relationship crisis.

How to Find Problem Gambling Support Through ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario helps people find problem gambling services throughout Ontario. Support is available to people concerned about their own gambling and to family members, friends, partners, and caregivers.

ConnexOntario is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can contact a trained specialist by phone, text, live chat, or email without a referral.

A ConnexOntario specialist can:

• Listen without judgment
• Answer questions about gambling support
• Explain different treatment options
• Find programs based on location and individual needs
• Review program requirements and contact information
• Connect people with gambling, mental health, addiction, family, or crisis services

ConnexOntario provides service information and navigation rather than counselling or clinical treatment. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing and choose which next steps are right for you.

Use the ConnexOntario program directory to search for problem gambling services in your community. The directory includes Ontario mental health, addiction, and gambling programs funded by the Ministry of Health, along with eligible charitable and government-supported services.

You can also:

• Call 1-866-531-2600
• Text CONNEX to 247247
• Use ConnexOntario’s live chat
• Contact ConnexOntario by email

You do not need to know exactly which service you need before reaching out. A specialist can help you understand the available options and choose a practical next step.

References

1. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2024). Gambling Policy Framework. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/driving-change-files/public-policy/camh-gambling-policy-framework-pdf.pdf

2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Having Problems With Gambling?. https://kmb.camh.ca/ggtu/help

3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2025). Gambling-related Harms: Identification, Assessment and Management—Recommendations. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG248/chapter/recommendations