Responsible Gambling
Do you worry about your gambling? Take this 2-minute quiz to see if your gambling is a problem. Self-Assessment Quiz
The Responsible Gambling program is for individuals struggling with any form of problematic gambling behaviour.
Our Counsellor will assess your needs and work with you to create a support plan. Supports could include:
- individual counselling,
- group counselling,
- a self-exclusion through OLG’s MyPlayBreak,
- Art Therapy,
- referrals to residential or day treatment.
We use different counselling approaches (like Cognitive Behavioural interventions and Motivational Interviewing) to help you meet your goals.
Responsible Gambling F.A.Q.s
What is problem gambling?
- Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems can affect a person’s whole life. Gambling is a problem when it:
- gets in the way of work, school or other activities
- harms the person’s mental or physical health
- hurts the person financially
- damages the person’s reputation
- causes problems with family or friends.
- Take this 2-minute self-assessment quiz from the Responsible Gambling Council to see how your gambling habits measure up: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/safer-play/self-asse…
What is the Responsible Gambling Program?
The Responsible Gambling program is for individuals struggling with any form of problematic gambling behaviour.
- Problem gambling can be in person or online and can include:
- casino gambling
- lottery tickets
- sports and horse betting
- poker and other card games
- bingo
- electronic gaming machines
- stock market investing
- Services include:
- Assessment
- Support planning
- Individual and/or group counselling
- Referrals to day and residential treatment
- Art therapy
What is the process like to get connected with someone for counselling support?
- Intake: we gather basic information about you and ask a series of questions to identify your needs quickly
- Assessment: we use a standard set of questions to understand what is happening in your life and make recommendations on how to support you in reaching your goals
- Treatment: Our Gambling Counsellor will help you identify goals to work on to make positive change to your gambling behaviours. Treatment may include individual and/or group.
What types of appointment options are available?
We can arrange to meet with you in-person, over the phone, or virtually.
How much do your services cost?
There is no cost to you for accessing our services.
How long can I access services for?
Everyone’s journey is unique, which is why there is no set limit on how long you can access our services. We are here to help you achieve your goals.
How frequently can I access support from my clinician?
Your Counsellor will discuss appointment frequency with you.
How do I get started?
Call us at 519-754-0253 to get connected.
What do I do if a loved one is struggling with gambling?
We offer a support group for individuals who are supporting a loved one who is struggling with substance use, substance use and mental health as well as gambling. The group is called S.M.A.R.T. families and is offered every Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00pm at 225 Fairview Drive. No registration required. For more information about this group, contact us at 519-754-0253
I don’t live in Brantford; can I access services?
- We provide services to people who live in Brantford and Brant County. We encourage you to access services in your community or close to where you live.
- Visit Connex Ontario at www.connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600 if you are looking for gambling support outside of Brantford and Brant County.
Are there other gambling supports I can connect with?
- St. Leonard’s Crisis Services.
- A 24/7 crisis phone service which you can access at (519) 759-7188 or toll free at 1 (866) 811-7188 for immediate or short-term support with anxiety, stress, or any other mental health concerns.
- Mental Health Walk-in Clinic in Brantford and Paris. Contact the Crisis Phone Line for current days/times.
- Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: call 1-888-230-3505 for information about problem gambling treatment resources in Ontario.
- Gamtalk online support for gambling issues: a text-based chat and community support wall. https://www.gamtalk.org/chat/
- Credit Canada Debt Solutions: Need help with finances? Credit Canada, a not-for-profit agency, offers free, confidential credit counselling and education, as well as debt consolidation and repayment programs. Visit the Credit Canada Website at https://www.creditcanada.com/ or call 1-800-267-2272.
- ConnexOntario: If you are looking for gambling support visit www.connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600.
- Self Help Resources
- Gamblingtherapy.org: Gambling Therapy is a free, global online service offering practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
- RecoverMe- RecoverMe is a mobile app that supports you in managing gambling problems. The app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness and different support tools in helping to manage urges and prevent lapses in your gambling. Use the code RECOVERME100 to use the app for free.
- BetBlocker: A globally recognized free tool to help you control your gambling. Install it on as many devices as you like, and you can block yourself from accessing over 4300 gambling websites. You can select how long you want to be blocked for. (Please remember that once the tool is activated you cannot remove the restrictions until your selected restriction length has expired) BetBlocker also has a Parental Controls setting that allows you to switch the tool on and off via a password so that parents can stop their children accessing gambling services. To access the betblocker tool please visit http://betblocker.org/
- Download Links https://betblocker.org/#download-section
Hours
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Evening appointments available)