Thousands could have a gambling problem

An awareness campaign encouraging people be in tune with the emotions that arise while gambling hit Peterborough’s casino this week.

Know the Signs is a prevention initiative of the Responsible Gaming Council.

Staff members from the agency were at Shorelines Casino Peterborough this week for Peterborough Gambling Prevention

Week, promoting the campaign and offering tips to players on how to protect themselves.

Greg Eaton, the team lead for Know the Signs, said it’s important for people to set limits, both with their time and money.

“We want people to have a healthy balance between gambling and other things in their lives,” Eaton said.

If you’re starting to spend more time gambling than with loved ones or are neglecting other areas of your life, that’s problematic, he said.

Setting a time limit is a good way to manage time spent gambling or at a casino.

Moneywise, only gamble what you can afford to lose. Set aside an amount to play and stick to it.

If you start using money that should be going toward other areas of your life, that’s an in-

‘‘ We want people to have a healthy balance between gambling and other things in the lives.

GREG EATON team lead, Know the Signs

dication there could be an issue.

Chasing losses is also a sign that someone’s gambling is getting out of hand.

“We don’t want people playing outside their limits and then start chasing their losses thinking that the longer they play they’ll eventually win back their money.”

An early warning sign of a gambling problem is how someone feels while their playing.

“If people are not having fun anymore — they’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, frustration, guilt, these could all be early warning signs.”

When those feeling occur, Eaton said it’s important to take a step back and get a different perspective.

There’s a small percentage of people across the province who have a moderate to severe problem, he said. More than 330,000 people fit that description in Ontario.

Locally, Peterborough and surrounding area have 8,500 people with a moderate to severe problem, Eaton said.

Know the Signs staff will be at Delta Bingo and Gaming Peterborough on Clonsilla Avenue on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Then they’re back at the casino at The Parkway and Crawford Drive from 5 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, the campaign runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Shorelines.

In addition to providing people with tips on how to gamble safely, Know the Signs staff also point people toward resources to help with a gambling addiction.