The Eyeopener’s guide to poker: ...know when to fold ’em
You’ve seen the commercial. A young man hooked on internet poker, alienating his concerned roommates with his erratic behaviour.
The spot ends with the advice that if you think gambling might be taking over a friend’s life, you could be right. The concerned watcher is directed to www.friends4friends.com (F4F) to find out what can be done.
According to the Responsible Gambling Council, university-aged people are most at risk for problem gambling. Seven per cent of all
18-24 year-olds have a moderate to severe gambling problem. And if you’re a student, or unemployed, you have an even higher chance of developing a problem.
Ryan Scott, from Student Poker Championships, a league that organizes for no-stakes-poker tournaments at university campuses, says that one of the reasons that demographic is most at risk is its sense of freedom.
“I think it’s in their nature, when you’re free, with no obligations, you only have yourself,” Scott, 27, says. “I don’t gamble now because I have a girlfriend and a house. There is more meaning behind my money.”
Jamie Wiebe of the Responsible Gambling Council agrees, saying young adults are at risk because they are in “years of profound change, distinguished by relative independence from social roles.”
So how can you discern whether a friend is “lost in the shuffle?” There are signs, according to the F4F site, beginning with the obvious: constantly talking about gambling.
The list descends into more serious indications. Some examples:
4) Borrow money, sell things, commit or consider committing criminal acts to gamble?
5) Have increased debt, unpaid bills or other financial problems because of gambling?
8) Lie to family, friends or others about the amount of time and money they spend gambling?
15) Complain of feelings of emptiness or loss when not gambling?
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) asks similar questions.
Both groups refer you to the number, 1-888-230-3505, which is actually a service provided for by the Canadian Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. They ask a few questions and connect you with the closest service that would best suit your needs.
The number is more of a link than it is a counseling service, but it offers several forms of advice.
“Don’t lecture, accuse, preach, or get angry with your friend and family member with a gambling problem,” says F4F.
Instead, find the right time and place to address the problem, and be ready with information and support, even if they aren’t ready to admit they have a problem.
At the very least, help them to choose healthy gambling habits.
Responsible gambling should be viewed as an entertainment cost, says Scott and support agencies.
Decide how much you can afford to spend and not spend any more than that.
“It’s not a way to make money,” says Scott.
As a gambler’s friend, all you can do is get informed and try
to help.
Problem gambling is serious, and the government, which funds the support agencies don’t differentiate between types of gambling. And neither does the propensity to lose.
According to the professionals, whether you play scratch and win, or games of skill like poker, the odds are stacked against you.
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