Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems

Youth gambling is a growing but often overlooked issue with potentially serious consequences. With easy online access, gambling-like features in video games, and an explosion of advertisements for sports betting, young people are exposed to and getting involved with gambling - often without realizing the risks. Listen to this episode of Fold em to hear: How youth are gambling - even when they aren't legally of age Why young brains are particularly vulnerable to gambling getting out of control How to recognize warning signs of a gambling problem Safeguards to protect youth and emerging adults from gambling harms You hear from three guests.  First, Meghan, talks about her own experiences with compulsive gambling and how, as part of her recovery, she's been advocating for more to be done to protect youth and the next generation from gambling harms.  Then, you get to hear from two Canadian experts on gambling and the brain.  Deirdre Querney, MSW, has worked as a problem gambling counsellor in Ontario for the past twenty-five years.  She's joined by Dr. Iris Balodis, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University where she has a research lab focused on gambling disorder and the brain.  Together, Deirdre and Iris developed BrainConnections.ca to share information about how problem gambling affects the brain.  To read a summary of this episode go to the episode 92 blog at gamblingproblemhelp.ca You can also learn more about young brains and video games at BrainConnections.ca.  Iris and Deirdre have developed videos and free, downloadable materials. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome your feedback. Fold em is taking a break from releasing further episodes.  However, the library of past episodes will continue to be available on all podcast apps as well as on the Fold em website www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. Thank you for listening and for those of you connected with us and joined an episode. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Gambling addiction is often seen as an individual problem, but its effects ripple far beyond the person placing the bets.  For families, it can lead to financial instability, emotional distress, and fractured relationships.  In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey of discovering her husband's gambling problem and how she and her children moved forward. Speaking as a parent and a teacher with twenty years of experience, Katie argues that more recognition is needed about how gambling problems impact families, especially young people. Noting a lack of resources and supports for children experiencing gambling harms, she developed a workbook.  It's a tool for parents, family members, teachers and counsellors to help children understand and cope when compulsive gambling disrupts their lives.  Katie's workbook is available on Amazon and is called All Bets Are Off: Hope and Healing When a Loved One's Gambling Addiction is Destroying Everything. Listen to this impactful interview with Katie and hear: What spouses and family members can do when a loved one isn't ready to stop gambling How to support children when a parent's gambling is negatively impacting the family What help is available for spouses, family members and chldren experiencing gambling harms To read a summary of this episode go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  You can also hear more from Katie on a podcast that she and a friend from Gam-Anon produce and host - Making Bets in a Burning House.  It provides insight and support for families, friends and spouses impacted by gambling addiction.  If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Most of the Fold em episodes have been for those of you who decided to stop gambling.  We've been helping you stop and stay stopped. This episode is different.  It's for those of you are currently gambling or know someone who is. We explore the fine line between recreational gambling and losing control. Our hope is that you better understand the risks when gambling and that some of us are more vulnerable to gambling harm.  We share information, strategies and tools to help you keep gambling in control, recognize warning signs of problem gambling, and know where to turn for help. We're joined by two experts, Luke Clark (Director, Centre for Gambling Research at the University of British Columbia) and Ryan McCarthy (Director, Player Health, British Columbia Lottery Corporation). They share the latest research and concrete strategies.  They also discuss how the gambling industry and government can do more to reduce gambling harm. Listen to episode 90 and learn: Are you at risk for gambling getting out of control? How to recognize warning signs of a gambling problem Tools and strategies to help keep gambling in check What steps to take when gambling isn't fun anymore To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  For more information on how gambling games work as well as tools and supports, visit BCLC's GameSense. If you live in British Columbia, you can reach out to a GameSense Advisor at 1-866-815-0222 ext 3, via Live Chat, or by visiting a GameSense Info Centre at a casino. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

There are an increasing number of people speaking up about gambling related harm and the need to better address this.  One of these people is Anna Martin from Australia.   In this episode of Fold em, hear Anna's inspiring journey from gambling addiction to recovery.  She tells us how she has been speaking up in the media and to politicians about the negative impacts of gambling, the need to better regulate the gambling industry and advertising, and to improve services for those struggling with gambling, particularly women.  In response to this, Anna founded The Untangle Project to help women find support and resources for gambling problems. Listen now and hear: How Anna overcame a twenty year gambling problem Why women are particularly vulnerable to gambling problems What resources and supports are available to help women struggling with their own or someone else's gambling To read the blog for this episode, visit www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  To learn more about The Untangle Project, go to www.theuntangleprojectaus.net OR on Instagram @TheUntangleProjectAUS.   If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

When gambling gets out of control it is a challenging and deeply isolating struggle.  However, it is absolutely possible to get through this with shifting your mindset and accessing support and tools.  One of the most crucial steps in overcoming this challenge is acceptance - acknowledging the realities of your situation and taking responsibility for change.  In this episode of Fold em, we provide practical tips and an inspiring personal story about how acceptance can help you get unstuck from problem gambling. You get to benefit from the experience and wisdom of two guests.  Jen Gregg has been a counsellor with Gambling Support BC for more than twenty years and has great insight into what is needed to overcome gambling problems.  She's joined by Adam, a former poker player, who knows first hand how gambling can get out of hand when you least expect it to happen to you.  He tells us about the bumpy road of fully accepting he had a gambling problem and how he was able to rebuild his life after being honest with himself and others.  Listen now and hear: That it's common to be struggling with gambling, and despite this, not want to let it go That facing the facts about your gambling is a crucial steps towards changing it Practical tips for getting unstuck from gambling problems through acceptance To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog for episode 88 at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

With easy access to sports betting, many people are finding it has become a daily habit.  Over time, it can take up more time, focus and money and stall your life.   In this episode of Fold em, hear from James, a passionate traveller and podcaster, who was swept into this world but has since reclaimed his life.   We delve into the impact of sports betting on him, his decision to step back from it, and how he has rediscovered other passions. Listen to episode 87 and hear about: Taking an honest look at the time, energy and money going into sports betting Strategies for pulling back What to say to friends, when you decrease or stop betting How to handle free time and boredom when you're gambling less To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog for episode 87 at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.  Reach out to James at the Winging it Travel Podcast. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram. Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

In this insightful episode, Regina, a seasoned member of Gam-Anon with nearly 50 years of experience, discusses three vital themes for those impacted by a loved one's gambling problem.  Regina talks about the difference between support and enabling, and how to detach with love.  She also helps listeners recognize common emotional games that show up with gambling problems. Listen to episode 86 and learn: How gambling problems impact those closest to the gambler How to support rather than enable How to pull away from the emotional games that come up in relationships impacted by gambling problems How to keep yourself grounded, even if the gambler isn't ready to stop To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  You can also learn more from reading the literature written by members of Gam-Anon.  It is available in print or e-book format and can be purchased on the Gam-Anon website or through Amazon.   If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us at Fold em through Facebook or Instagram.  Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can send us an email to Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Has gambling got you down?  You're not the only one.  Tune in to this episode and learn what you can do about it.   Hear from Chris about how gambling was the norm with his group of friends during their twenties.  When he started online gambling, it became more and more consuming.  He started gambling by himself, the bets came faster, and he gambled for longer periods of time.   Chris talks about the bumpy road of stopping gambling.  He had been able to stop drinking and drugs cold turkey and on his own.  This didn't work with gambling.  He shares what helped him to stop and turn his life around.  Chris brings a lot of wisdom to this conversation - from his four years of being bet free, as a long-time participant and host of online meetings, and from doing his own research and studies on addiction and the brain. Listen now and learn: Why gambling gets out of control What helped Chris to pull back from gambling and stay away How to connect with Chris and others who understand gambling problems and are willing to help To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. Chris says he has connected with many compulsive gamblers around the world via email.  He shared his email address for anyone who would like to write him - chris12steps@gmail.com If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

With cigarettes and alcohol, we take steps to protect those who use these products AND society in general from related harms.  For example, there are age requirements to buy alcohol.  We also see images and warnings of disease caused by smoking on a pack of cigarettes. Many say that more needs to be done to limit gambling-related harms, particularly for people who are most vulnerable to this. In this episode, you get to hear from Dr. Nigel Turner, a Scientist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University of Toronto.  He has a talent for speaking in a really simple, clear and engaging way about gambling issues.  It's a great interview. Listen now to hear about: What do we know about gambling harms? Who is most vulnerable? To protect myself from gambling harms, what do I need to know about the house edge and gambling odds? What is being done around the world to reduce gambling harms? What more could be done by the gambling industry, public health and individual gamblers to reduce gambling harms? To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog for episode 84 at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca  You can also read the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health's recent Gambling Policy Framework. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Reach out to us through Facebook or Instagram  Find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also email at Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Hear a personal story of working through the Twelve Steps of Recovery and how it helped Georgete break free of a recurring and destructive gambling problem.  Learn what's involved with each step and how you can access this recovery program.   Georgete shares how working through the Twelve Steps with a sponsor and attending online meetings through Recovery Road Online helped her to reach one year gambling free.  She shares how the Twelve Steps taught her important skills for living a better life. Listen now and get answers to these questions: What are the Twelve Steps?  How can this program help someone who has struggled with gambling? What's involved with each of the Twelve Steps? Will working through the Twelve Steps benefit me if I'm unsure about connecting with a Higher Power? Share this episode with someone who will find it helpful.  Our hope at Fold em is to help people struggling with gambling to connect with support. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  To connect with a Twelve Step Recovery program, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery To connect with other supports for gambling problems, here's more options: The Broke Girl Society  GamTalk SMART Recovery To read a summary of this podcast, check out the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also email us at Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.    

It can be done.  You can admit to yourself and others that gambling is causing problems for you.  You can stop gambling, deal with the financial impact, and rebuild trust with important people.  You can also put things in place to prevent a relapse.  Laura joins us in this episode and shares how she did all of this. Listen to episode 82 and hear about: Why it can be hard to admit to yourself that your gambling is out of control Laura's story of getting help, facing hard stuff, and getting through it How Laura stopped gambling and has stayed away for more than year Laura dedicates this episode to her doctor, Catherine Textor - "An amazing human who showed me compassion and zero judgment and provided a safe place to admit I needed help." To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

If you live with chronic pain and gamble, you're more at risk for developing a gambling problem.  If you've had a gambling problem and live with chronic pain and/or health conditions, it's important to get help for both issues to prevent a relapse. In this episode of Fold em, hear Patty's personal story.  She tells us that when she was gambling, both physical pain as well as stress and worry decreased.  However, over time as gambling got out of control, it made life much more difficult for her.  Patty shares how recovery provided her with the patience and support needed to steadily pursue treatment for her health conditions.  And, although these haven't gone away, she's feeling much better. You also hear from Kuldip Gill, a Registered Clinical Counsellor in Vancouver who is a clinician with Gambling Support BC.  She explains why chronic pain creates risk for gambling addiction and offers guidance on how to address both pain and gambling issues successfully. Listen to episode 81 and hear: Why it is important to be cautious if you gamble and experience chronic pain or health issues A personal story of stopping gambling and getting help for pain and health issues How to help yourself feel better as you pull back from gambling If you want to learn more, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Many people deal with gambling problems on their own.  They think, "I'm not as bad as others.  I can fix this."  For some, they just want to move on and avoid or delay getting help.  Others can't stop thinking about the harms gambling has brought into their life, but feel too embarrassed to open up about it.  This is our 80th episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems.  The one suggestion we've heard from every guest is - don't deal with it on your own.  Open up and connect with people who know about gambling issues. In this episode, we tell you how easy it is to get help, support and guidance from people who have been through it.  You hear from Frank, with Gamblers, Family and Friends in Recovery (GFFR) - an international notice board for people seeking recovery from a gambling problem.  You also hear from Bruce with Recovery Road Online (RRO) - an online fellowship that aims to connect individuals struggling with gambling with others in recovery.  You'll learn how to find hundreds of meetings each week from around the world as well as a library of recorded speakers.  There's also help for spouses, family and friends.  Check out RRO and GFFR! Listen to episode 80 and hear: What you will find at Recovery Road Online and Gamblers, Family and Friends in Recovery The variety of meetings available and how to access these How online meetings can help you If you would like to learn more about RRO and GFFR as well as other online resources for gambling issues, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers, Families and Friends in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Making changes isn't easy.  When gambling gets out of control, change is often more challenging.  It can be hard to get to that place where you're ready to pull back from gambling.  When you do stop, there are so many other issues to address (finances, relationships, your health) that it can feel overwhelming.  It's not unusual to find that gambling hooks you in again. In this episode, we offer guidance on how to get a good start with making whatever changes you want to tackle.  We'll offer tips for staying on track and handling setbacks.  You hear Shane tell his personal story about stopping gambling and getting his life in balance.  Dr. Taslim Alani-Virjee, a Clinical Psychologist from Toronto, shares practical suggestions for being successful with change. Listen to episode 79 to hear: A personal story of taking action to stop gambling and get life back in balance Strategies for getting a good start when making changes for yourself How to avoid setbacks and get back on track when they happen To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  To hear an earlier conversation with Shane about preventing relapse, listen to episode 69 (Sept 22, 2023).  To connect with Dr. Taslim Alani-Virjee, visit her website at drtaslim.com. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. Thanks for listening!  

As you get pulled into gambling, your thinking changes.  Your mind finds ways of convincing you to keep gambling, even when there are signs to stop.  To an outsider, ideas such as "a win is just around the corner" or "I have a system that's guaranteed to win" seem irrational.  But when you're in it, it feels real and true. In this episode, I'm joined by John Woods.  After struggling with gambling for over thirty years, he placed his last bet in January 2017 and went on to write a book called Gambling Addiction Explained: How to Stop Gambling and Regain Control of Your Life. Listen in and learn about: Five common mind traps of problem gambling How to recognize and resist gambling's mind traps Why seeking help and guidance can free your mind from problem gambling To find out more about problem gambling's mind traps, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.  You can also download John's free report on Mind Traps at www.gamblingaddictionexplained.com.  Purchase his book Gambling Addiction Explained on Amazon or through his website.   If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.      

Experiencing grief and loss is hard enough.  But, when grief leads to gambling problems, it gets harder. Grief (like other big stressors) can create risk for gambling getting out of control.  It can also set the stage for a relapse if you previously stopped gambling.  In this episode of Fold em, we hear from Sam about her experiences with grief and problem gambling and what has helped her with both issues.  Heidi Furrer, a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who facilitates a workshop on grief and gambling, offers ideas for getting on solid footing again. Listen to episode 77 and hear about: Why grief and loss can trigger gambling problems How to cope with both grief and problem gambling The benefits of continuing to stay connected to a loved one who has died To learn more, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  Inspiration for this episode came from Lorraine Hedtke's work on Re-membering Practices.  Find out more at www.rememberingpractices.com. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. To connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society Connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

One of the most distressing effects of problem gambling is the way is breaks down trust in relationships.  In this episode, we offer guidance on how to rebuild that trust- emotionally and financially. You hear from Regina, who brings much experience on this topic.  Seven years into her marriage, Regina's husband revealed he had a gambling addiction.  She shares how they rebuilt emotional and financial trust.  Regina has also been an active member of Gam-Anon for 48 years and shares what she and others have learned and guidance that is offered in meetings and through their literature.  Spouses, parents and family as well as those who have had a gambling problem will all find this episode helpful. Listen now to episode 76 and learn: How to rebuild emotional and financial trust in relationships impacted by gambling What to do if the person you care about isn't ready to stop gambling or get help How spouses and family can decrease their own guilt and anxiety as well as learn to trust themselves again If you would like to learn more about rebuilding trust, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  You can purchase Gam-Anon's literature at www.gam-anon.org or find an e-format on Amazon.   Gam-Anon meetings are available in person and virtually throughout the world.  Visit their meeting directory at www.gam-anon.org. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.  Our outreach and counselling services are available to anyone struggling with their own or a loved one's gambling. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

In this episode, you hear from someone whose career has focused on better understanding gambling problems.  Dr. Marc Potenza is a psychiatrist and professor at Yale University and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Gambling Research.   Since he's very familiar with the research on gambling addiction, I asked him questions that I commonly hear in the counselling room and from listeners.   Listen in and hear about: Why is it that some people become compulsive gamblers and others don't? What's happening in the brain when gambling gets out of control? Are there medications that can help with cravings? Does treatment work? We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, so if you would like to read a summary, visit the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society To connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

When you gamble, it affects your brain and body. It's common to experience an urge to gamble.  This involves thinking a lot about gambling or winning, having a strong desire to gamble, and feeling restless, anxious, excited and/or irritable.  Urges can also continue after you stop gambling and create risk for relapse. In this episode of Fold em, we return to the topic of urges. This time, with a focus on what brain science tells us about urges and how to handle them.  I'm joined again by the team from Brain Connections - Dr. Iris Balodis from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and Deirdre Querney, MSW, a counsellor specializing in gambling problems for the past twenty three years.  Brain Connections is an online resource about gambling addiction and the brain. Listen to episode 74 and hear about: How to recognize triggers and urges What is going on in the brain with gambling urges What to THINK and DO when experiencing urges to gamble To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  You can also learn more about urges at www.brainconnections.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

You may have heard this before ... gambling problems lead to isolation and the way forward is through connection.  Maybe you're thinking, "That sounds nice, but connection is not on my agenda because I'm working all the time to pay off debt and the people in my life don't trust me."  Well hang in with us, keep an open mind, and listen to this episode. Bryce reflects upon the past three years since his last bet.  He shares about how attending a residential treatment program was an important turning point for him and how the friendships made there have been crucial to his recovery.  You also hear him talk about making amends with his wife and family and the bumpy road of re-building trust.  And, what has helped him to let go of the heavy guilt and regret due to gambling.   Whether you are a gambler or have someone in your life with a gambling problem, you'll find inspiration in this conversation. Listen to hear about: What helped Bryce to stay away from gambling for more than three years How he has been reconnecting with his wife and family and rebuilding trust Tips for letting go of guilt and regret arising from problem gambling If you would like to read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  To hear an earlier conversation with Bryce when he was eleven months away from his last bet, listen to episode 19 of Fold em. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

There are lots of options for free slots, poker and sports betting online.  Seems innocent enough at first glance.  However, there can be unexpected risks and costs of "free" online play, particularly if you've previously struggled with keeping gambling in check. In this episode, hear from two people who continued to play free online gambling games after stopping gambling.  They talk about their reasons for doing so, the challenges this created, and why they ultimately decided to stop. Listen now and hear about: Why free online gambling games can be risky to play, particularly if gambling has previously created problems for you. How to figure out where to draw a line in the sand for yourself with free gambling games. What to do if free gambling games are taking up too much of your money and time and/or creating tension with your support people. To read a summary of this episode, visit the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

When you've already taken those hard steps to pull back from gambling and face the fall out, you want to keep the momentum going, right?  This is the final episode of four that provides guidance on how to stop gambling and stay on track long-term.  In this one, we walk you through how to make a Recovery Plan for yourself.  This plan outlines what is needed to keep gambling and other addictions out of your life and (most importantly) to keep growing the best version of yourself. Our Recovery Plan has four parts, which were introduced in the previous three episodes.  In the blog for this episode, we describe these four parts and provide questions to help you build your personal plan and keep revising it over time.  Find the blog at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca. Allison Rice, who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction, guides you through making a Recovery Plan.  You also hear from Georgete, Shane and Abe who joined us in the previous three episodes. Listen now and learn: How to put together your personal Recovery Plan Why having a personal Recovery Plan will make staying away from gambling easier That there is a path out from gambling problems If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

There's an important step that often gets missed when stopping gambling.  This involves asking someone who knows about gambling issues or addiction to help watch out for signs that you're at risk to gamble again.  Why is this important?  Because you may not be aware it's happening or will downplay it in your own mind. This is our third of four episodes that focus on how to stop gambling and have it stick long-term.  Hear how Abe got really honest with a friend about what triggers him to gamble.  They have been working together to come up with plans to protect him from relapse.  You also get guidance from Allison Rice who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction. Listen now and learn about: Key ingredients for staying away from gambling for good The importance of having an accountability partner and how to arrange this for yourself Why having a personal recovery plan will make staying away from gambling easier To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with online groups and supports, here's some options: Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk (online chat forum) Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Want to make sure that you or a loved one doesn't get pulled back into a gambling problem?  Then know what to watch out for.  In this episode, learn about common and predictable ways that people get pulled into a relapse.  And, how to identify signs that you are at risk to gamble again.  Be prepared in order to protect yourself.  We hear from Shane who started gambling again after one year away.  This led to him struggling with gambling for the next twelve years.  He is now eight months gambling free and shares what he now knows and is doing differently to make it stick long-term. We also hear from Allison Rice, who works as a counsellor with Gambling Support BC and brings twenty years of experience with helping people overcome addiction. Listen now to episode 69 and learn about: Common and predictable ways people get pulled back into gambling again after deciding to stop How to identify the particular signs that you are vulnerable to relapse How to notice all the tricky thoughts that keep you hooked into gambling, even after you stop To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

What does it take to stop gambling and stay stopped?  We're answering this question for you over the next four episodes.  In this first one, we focus on the importance of being honest with yourself about the impact of gambling - on you and your life, as well as on those around you.  If what you have been doing to address a gambling problem hasn't been working, we encourage you to take a risk and try something different.  In particular, be willing to reach out for help and get guidance from those who know something about gambling issues. Listen now and hear: Georgete's story of getting 4-months away from gambling and how online recovery groups, working with a sponsor, and writing about GA's 20 Questions has helped her to get there. Why more is needed than just saying, "I'm done" to prevent a relapse. What to do when you reach that point of "enough is enough" (so you don't get pulled back into gambling again). To read a summary of this episode, go to the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. In this and upcoming episodes, we talk about groups and supports that are available online.  Here's some options to check-out: Recovery Road Online Gamblers in Recovery Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon GamTalk The Broke Girl Society If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

Most of us encounter gambling daily in our communities.  There's scratch and lottery tickets at the gas station, sports pools at work, and bingo down the road.  In addition, there's all the gambling we encounter in fundraising - the 50/50 draws at local sporting events as well as raffles and community bingo.  Do you think of all of these as gambling?  Do you ever have conversations with family, friends or the groups you're involved with about the risks of gambling or how to support people in your community who have been impacted negatively by gambling? In this episode, we hear from Sheri Pringle who works with Gambling Support BC and IS regularly out in the community talking about gambling.  She's passionate about the issue.  Her message is for all of us to give gambling the same attention as we do to alcohol, drugs and smoking. Tune in and hear about: How gambling is normalized in our day-to-day lives and communities (despite it causing harm for some of us) How to talk about gambling, including the risks and how to keep it in balance How organization and groups that use gambling to fundraise can be more attentive to community members who have been negatively impacted by gambling If you would like to read a summary of this episode, find the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. We're taking a holiday break in August 2023 and the next episode will be released in early September 2023.  However, we are busy planning for the fall.  If there is a question or topic that you would like us to address, please reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  You can also connect through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

After finding out that your spouse has a gambling problem or has had a relapse, it's understandable that you feel like your life has been turned upside down.  You likely are feeling shock, anger and hurt because of the secrecy that typically comes with gambling problems.  Stress and anxiety are also high because your financial security and trust with your spouse is on shaky ground. In this episode, I'm joined by Neena Keram, a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who specializes in helping spouses, families and couples with gambling concerns.  She tells us that discovering a spouse's gambling problem is a "betrayal trauma."  She encourages spouses and family to get help for themselves - even if you think it's not your problem to fix.  It helps to have space for you, to assist with making sense of it all and coping with the impacts. This episode is geared to spouses and family members impacted by gambling issues, but is also helpful for those who gamble.  Listening will help you to better understand what your loved ones are going through. Listen now and learn about: Common reactions after learning a loved one has a gambling problem Why coping and moving on can feel so difficult How to feel grounded again - for your own benefit but also to move forward with addressing the gambling issue If you would like to read a summary of the conversation, go to the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

When you have concerns about someone's gambling, it's not easy to talk about.  It's often challenging to prevent these conversations from going off the rails. In this episode, we offer guidance for these tricky conversations.  Spouses, family members and friends will hear strategies to use when first talking about gambling or if you suspect there has been a relapse.  If you are someone who gambles, there is lots in this episode you'll find helpful too. I'm joined by Saul Malek who is four-years away from his last bet.   From the perspective of someone who gambled, he shares ideas for parents and spouses on how to reach out and talk about gambling problems.  You also hear from Neena Keram who is a counsellor specializing in working with couples when addiction shows up in a relationship. Listen in and hear about: How to talk to a loved one about their gambling, even when they don't think it is a problem OR want to do anything about it How to approach someone when you suspect they have relapsed How to encourage someone to get help, but not take over with managing the problem and "fixing" things How family members and spouses can cope when feeling overwhelmed and stressed by gambling problems To read a summary of the tips and strategies covered in this episode, read the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. To reach out to Saul Malek, go to his website at www.saulmalek.com.  If you live in British Columbia and would like to connect with Neena Keram's services through Gambling Support BC, visit www.najtherapies.com If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

When dealing with gambling problems, many people worry about switching to another bad habit or addiction.  It's important to pay attention to this because switching or substituting addictions (also called cross addiction) can be frustrating, de-moralizing and really dammaging to a person's life. In this episode of Fold em, we tell you what you need to know about switching addictions so you are more informed and better able to prevent it from happening to you. We're joined again by our experts on gambling and the brain - Dr. Iris Balodis and Deirdre Querney, MSW - from Brain Connections. Listen now and learn about: Can someone have an addictive personality? What research tells us about why some people switch addictions How to create real and long-lasting wellness for yourself and freedom from addiction (Yes, it is possible!) If you would like to read a summary of the episode and learn more about how to protect yourself from switching addictions, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca and check out the handout on this at www.BrainConnections.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Saul grew up betting on fantasy baseball.   He says it was "a part of my life" and "what tied my group of friends together."  In college, when a friend suggested they bet on sports with a bookie he didn't think much about it before saying "I'm in."  Saul's experience is pretty typical.  According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, about 67% of college students bet on sports.  They also tell us that youth rates of being at-risk for problem gambling are 2 to 3 times higher than adult rates.  Saul is one of those students who developed a gambling problem. Saul Malek joins us in this episode to talk about his experiences with sports betting. Listen in and hear: How Saul's betting increased in less than a year from wagering on a couple of games to 150 bets a week. How gambling problems stay hidden - from yourself, from others, and on campuses What helped Saul to recognize and accept that sports betting was out of control for him (and what he did about it) To learn more about why sports betting problems often stay hidden and what you can do about this if you or someone you care about is struggling, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you would like to connect with Saul Malek, visit his website at www.saulmalek.com If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

Lots of people are playing fantasy sports.  For some, particularly when you play daily or with multiple lineups, it can take up increasing amounts of time, focus and money.  Steve Delaney joins us to share his experiences with this and how, for him, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) turned into something that was stressful, costly and all-consuming.   Listen now to this episode and hear about: The tricky ways that DFS can get out of hand How to recognize signs of this in yourself and others How DFS became a problem (twice) for Steve and what he and his wife did to address it Steve's reflections on the need for more warnings to the public about the risks of fantasy sports betting as well as help and treatment services for those who need it. If you would like to read more about why DFS can get out of control, signs of this, and where to get help, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.   If you would like to hear more from Steve Delaney about his journey of recovery both from substance use and a gambling problem, listen to his fantastic podcast: Fantasy or Reality?  The GPP.  It's available on all podcast apps.  You can also reach out to him at fantasyorreality@yahoo.com. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.     

When spouses and family members learn about a loved one's gambling problem, money issues come into the open.  Usually this involves debt and it feels overwhelming and emotional.  Typically, people don't know what to do.  There is often a reflex to step in and pay things off quickly. In this episode of Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, we offer guidance for spouses, family members and the person who has gambled.  I'm joined by Margaret Johnson, who has thirty years experience helping people overcome debt.  She is the President of Solutions Credit Counselling Service, Inc.   Listen in and hear about: First steps spouses and family can take after finding out about gambling debt How to move forward, whether you intend to stay in the relationship or separate How to get a clear picture of the financial situation, regain control of household finances and protect your financial security What to consider if you are thinking of using family finances to pay off gambling debt If you would like to read a summary of Margaret's key recommendations from this episode and learn more about addressing gambling debt, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you would like to connect with Margaret Johnson, reach out to her at Solutions Credit Counselling Service, Inc.  If you live in Canada and would like to access help with gambling debt: Find a credit counselling service near you in Canada.  Click here. Find a Licensed Insolvency Trustees near you in Canada.  Click here. Find free legal services near you in Canada.  Click here. If you live outside of Canada, search online for "credit counselling services," licensed solvency trustee," and "pro bono legal services" in your region. If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

It's not easy to talk openly about gambling issues.  Nor is it easy to talk about living with mental health issues.  In this episode, hear an open, thoughtful and inspiring conversation about one man's experiences with Bipolar Disorder and how this contributed to drinking, gambling and gaming getting out of hand for him.  Hear how he is now free of gambling and living well.  He teaches us about how to watch out for switching addictions.  Listen and learn about: The connections between mental health issues, gambling and substance addiction How to notice if you're switching addictions How to find healthy replacements for gambling Strategies to live well and stay in balance If you would like to learn more about what the research says about the connections between mental health issues, gambling and substance addiction and strategies for preventing switching addictions, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you would like to access help for mental health issues: resources in Canada resources in the United States  resources in Great Britain If you live outside of these areas, do an online search for mental health help in your country. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services for gambling concerns, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "gambling problem help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

It can be frustrating if you've promised yourself to pull back from gambling and then find you're back at it again.  Sometimes this happens the next day.  Sometimes after a month, year or more.   It's not easy or simple to stay away from gambling when you're really hooked in to it.  But as difficult as setbacks are, it's an opportunity to see more clearly what you need to do differently going forward. In this episode of Fold em, two people share their experiences of gambling relapses and how they are managing things differently now.  My colleague, Manj Bath, who is a counsellor specializing in gambling problems, joins me to share tips for recognizing when you're vulnerable to a relapse and what can help to prevent this.  Listen now and learn: How you and your support people can watch out for signs of relapse Strategies for managing triggers and cravings Why it's important to have a relapse plan - including what to do if gambling gets out of control again For more information on how to make a solid relapse prevention plan for yourself or with a loved one who struggles with gambling read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. Fold em is taking a short break around Easter in April 2023.  The next episode will be released on April 28, 2023. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

John Woods knows a lot about gambling addiction.  He gambled for 30 years and tried it all - slots, horse races, online poker and sports betting.  John knows about hitting rock bottom because of gambling, the promises you make to yourself to stop, and the tricky ways it pulls you back in.  But most importantly, he has first hand experience with overcoming a gambling addiction and is six years from his last bet.  During these six years, he set about learning about this isssue and has written a book, "Gambling Addiction Explained:  How to STOP Gambling and Regain Control of Your Life. In this episode, John shares his personal story with gambling problems and thoughts on: How the mind deludes you into thinking you're in control with gambling when you clearly are not How to watch out for relapses What helped him to break free of gambling problems and ideas for others wanting to do the same For more information on the delusions of control that are a part of problem gambling, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.   If you would like to read John's book, Gambling Addiction Explained, visit his website at www.gamblingaddictionexplained.com.  The book is also available on Amazon, Audible and Spotify.  Connect with John on Facebook at Gambling Addiction Explained. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through Foldempodcast@gmail.com.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.      

Gambling problems put a huge strain on relationships and finances.  It's hard to know what to do and where to turn for help. Listen to this episode to hear from someone who gets it and got through it.  Jane talks openly about how her marriage and family were impacted by her husband's gambling, what she learned from relapses, and what helped to stabilize their finances and rebuild the relationship after he stopped gambling.   Jane brings much wisdom to this conversation - not only from her personal experience, but also from seventeen years of active involvement with Gam-Anon. Tune in and hear: What didn't work in their early attempts to address the gambling problem What helped to stop the gambling and bring more stability to their family Ideas for handling money issues when a loved one has a gambling problem Suggestions and encouragement for spouses, family and friends impacted by someone's gambling What is Gam-Anon and how to get connected to meetings For more information about how to address gambling concerns and their financial impact, go to the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you would like to connect with Gam-Anon, wherever you are in the world, here's how: Website:  https://www.Gam-Anon.org Email: gamanonoffice@gamanon.org Phone:  (US#) 718-352-1671 Reach out and learn about the Gam-Anon and find out about in-person, virtual and phone meetings in the US, Canada and internationally.  You can see the literature Gam-Anon has available for purchase. For those of you living in British Columbia, here's how to connect with Gam-Anon and find out about meetings: Website:  https://www.gabc.ca Email:  Vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca Phone: 1-855-222-5542 (24/7 Gamblers Anonymous hotline with a live person answering each call.  Callers who have been impacted by someone else's gambling have the option of being referred to a Gam-Anon member). To connect with free outreach and counselling services in British Columbia: If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

When gambling becomes a habit, you likely are not even aware of having urges and cravings to gamble.  You just do it automatically.  When you decide to pull back or stop gambling, then you might notice that it's hard to resist urges to gamble. In this episode, we help you to slow things down and notice gambling triggers, urges and cravings.  We also offer strategies for riding through these, so you can feel more in control of gambling. Hear from two people with a lot of experience on this topic.  Eva and Don both decided to stop gambling about four years ago.  They share their experience with cravings as they were gambling, in the early days after they decided to stop, and now as urges still pop up. Listen to episode 56 and hear about: how to recognize your gambling urges and cravings how to notice what triggers these gambling cravings strategies to cope with and decrease gambling urges encouragement and inspiration to pull back from gambling if it's causing stress and problems For more information and strategies for managing urges and cravings to gamble, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.    

As you gamble more, it's common to notice more urges and impulses to gamble.  These cravings can lead to gambling becoming a habit.  They also can make it hard to decrease or stop gambling. In this episode, I'm joined by Kari Olson, who is a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who specializing in gambling problems, substance addiction and trauma.  She helps us to understand why cravings happen and strategies for surfing through them. Listen now and learn: what happens in the brain with cravings why it can be so hard to resist giving in to cravings to gamble three helpful strategies for riding through a craving: delay, distract, and decide how to decrease urges and cravings if you are pulling back or stopping gambling For more information and strategies for managing urges and cravings to gamble, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

The expansion of sports betting in North America had a headstart in the United Kingdom.  In this episode, hear from James who lived through this in Britain.  He talks about the impact on him of increased online access to sports betting and betting groups.  And how what was once a Saturday afternoon trip to the betting shop to wager on a football game shifted into a daily habit on his phone. Listen now to this great conversation and hear about: why sports betting can become a daily habit that takes up more and more of your mental space why it can be hard to pull away once it becomes a habit, even though it's having a negative impact James' three key strategies for breaking a sports betting habit:  cut off access, find your purpose, and talk about it what to say to friends and family who gamble when you decide to "retire" from sports betting For more information and help if you are thinking about cutting back or retiring from sports betting, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you would like to connect with James and check out his fantastic travel podcast - Winging It Travel Podcast, click here.  If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Fold em Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

I'm joined by SIX people who host and produce podcasts about gambling problems.  They all have personal experience with this issue and have done a lot of work to address it, so don't miss this conversation.  Hear about all of their podcasts and what each can offer you.  For those making New Year's resolutions listen to a great discussion about how to kick start doing things differently with gambling in 2023.  We also talk about how to keep the momentum going if you've already pulled back from gambling and want to avoid it getting out of control again.   Listen and learn about: six different podcasts for gambling problems and get to know the hosts what worked for them as they first started to address gambling issues what helped them to stay on track and prevent a relapse how life can feel better - more quickly than you think If you would like to watch the video of this conversation, check it out at Fold em Podcast on YouTube. Here's who joined me on this episode and the link for their podcast: The After Gambling Podcast.  Host: Jamie ALL IN: The Addicted Gambler's Podcast.  Host: Brian H The Broke Girl Society Podcast.  Host: Christina Fall In:  The Problem Gambling Podcast For Military Service Members and Veterans. Host:  Dave Fantasy or Reality?  The GPP.  Host: Steve  Voices .. The Podcast.  Host: Brian W. You can also see Brian H and Christina on their YouTube Channel:  The Bet Free Life. If you would like to learn more about these and other podcasts for gambling problems, visit the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

The holiday season can bring more exposure to gambling - through gifting scratch and lottery products, invitations to meet at the casino, or family and friends placing a bet on a card game or sporting event. In this episode, Tracy Tsui, who provides gambling outreach support joins me.  We talk about why it is important to pay attention to gambling over the holidays, especially with young people.  And, if you or someone you care about has had problems with gambling in the past, why this time of year can be risky for relapse. Listen now and hear about: why explosing young people to gambling increases risk for gambling problems later on how to talk to young people about gambling concerns how the holiday season can present tricky situations if you are working on staying away from gambling how to prevent a relapse over the holiday season gambling support that is available 24/7 over the holidays For more information on managing gambling over the holiday season, read the blog for this episode at gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

As people face gambling problems, it's common to feel low, stressed and anxious.  You may feel relief from opening up about this issue but find that feelings of shame and guilt are hard to shake.  As you return to activities that used to be enjoyable, or do things to help yourself feel better, it feels flat. In this episode of Fold em, our brain experts return to help us make sense of this.  Deirdre Querney, MSW and Dr. Iris Balodis from Brain Connections explain: why gambling problems pull down your mood what you can do to feel better (maybe even feeling better than before you started gambling) how spouses and family members can help if a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts as they face gambling problems where to turn for 24/7 help for gambling problems, depression and/or suicidal thoughts For more information on the brain, gambling problems, and your mood, read the blog for this episode at Gamblingproblemhelp.ca and visit BrainConnections.ca.   If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For immediate 24/7 support, especially if you are in crisis, contact: The Gambling Support Line (British Columbia) 1-888-795-6111 Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 Wellness Together Canada  988 Lifeline (United States) call or text 988 If you live outside of Canada and the United States, search for "gambling problem help" or "crisis support" in your country For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

There is no question that gambling problems are stressful and difficult.  But, can good things emerge from these problems for you and your life? In this episode, hear from Julie who recently marked three years without gambling.  She is joined by her counsellor, Allison Rice.  They talk about all the ways that life has changed for the better for Julie and what has contributed to this, as well as to keeping gambling out of her life. Listen now to hear: five key ingredients for building your best life as you as you pull away from gambling problems what can happen when you're open to working on more than just "fixing the gambling problem" what can happen when you stick with counselling, groups and getting support for yourself - even when you don't feel like it any more   For more information and inspiration on finding the silver lining in gambling problems, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

Problem gambling leads people to do things they wouldn't normally do.  For some, this includes committing a financial crime, such as forgery, embezzlement and theft.  These crimes come about as a way to deal with debt and to get money to gamble.  Facing a gambling problem is hard enough, but when it also involves dealing with charges and the court system, it is really hard.   Hear from Brian who shares what this ordeal was like for him after turning himself in to police, and what helped him to get through it. Listen now to this episode and hear about: what happened for Brian as charges were laid and he went to court why he decided to be open with family, friends and recovery supports and some surprisingly good things that came from this Brian's reflections on how to avoid getting stuck in shame and guilt because of compulsive gambling what helped Brian to move through really hard and uncomfortable times and get to a place where today life is "pretty good"   For more information on moving forward after gambling leads to crime, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca To hear more from Brian, listen to Voices ... the Podcast and visit Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery.   If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

In this episode, hear from Marcia about how she not only stopped gambling, but also made changes to how she and her partner handle money.  Almost two-years in, she tell us "It feels amazing to not be worried about money.  Having that security also helps my gambling recovery." Amanda Martin, from the Credit Counselling Society, also returns to Fold em and offers tips for taking charge of your money. Listen now and learn about: Three reasons why taking charge of your money is an important part of addressing compulsive gambling How to track where your money is going How to have more control over spending and saving How to keep going with budgeting and reach your financial goals Tools, apps and free help with money management For more information on taking charge of your money, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca For more information on credit counselling and to find a credit counselling service in Canada, visit this federal government website.  In the United States, visit the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.  If you live outside of these areas, search for accredited credit counselling services in your country. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you like what you hear on Fold em and haven't yet followed us on your podcast app, make sure you do.  You'll be notified when a new episode is released and help our visibility.  If you're not sure how to follow or subscribe to this podcast, read our blog for instructions.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

For some, gambling leads to a situation where you can't pay your bills and debts when they are due.  This is incredibly stressful.  Listen now to hear about two options for addressing insolvency: a consumer proposal and personal bankruptcy. Blair Mantin, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and President of Sands and Associates, joins me in this episode.  He answers common questions about insolvency proceedings, including: Who is eligible for a consumer proposal and bankruptcy?  What is involved?  What will it cost? Will this impact my credit rating?  Do I have to get rid of my car, home and/or RRSP?  Are tax debt and student loans included? How will it impact my spouse if I go ahead with a consumer proposal or bankruptcy?  What are the differences with bankruptcy proceedings in Canada and the United States? How do I find a Licensed Insolvency Trustee? If you would like more information about consumer proposals and bankruptcy, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca To find a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Canada, visit the federal government's database.   If you have further questions for Blair Mantin, Licensed Insolvency Trustee, contact him at Sands and Associates.  He is also the co-host of a weekly radio show on CKNW 980 AM called Dollars and Sense, which is available as a podcast. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you like what you hear on Fold em and haven't yet followed us on your podcast app, make sure you do.  You will then be notified when a new episode is released and help increase our visiblity.  If you're not sure how to follow or subscribe to a podcast, read this blog for instructions. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

With gambling debt, it can feel like you're backed into a corner.  But, there are options for moving forward besides hoping for a big win. In this episode, hear Adrian share his story of stopping gambling and getting out of a tough cycle with payday loan companies and living pay cheque to pay cheque.  Amanda Martin, a Financial Educator with the Credit Counselling Society, shares essential tips for dealing with creditors and collection agencies as well three options for addressing unmanageable debt. Listen now to this episode and learn about: Adrian's story of breaking out of the cycle of gambling and debt What creditors can do to collect debt and your rights in this situation Tips for dealing with collection agencies Options for addressing unmanageable debt, including debt management programs, consumer proposals and personal bankruptcy   If you would like more information to help you tackle money problems due to gambling, read the blog for thie episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.

The ads with celebrity endorsements and incentives to give sports betting a try are everywhere.  Hear from Joel Soper, a compulsive gambler who knows the industry well, about the risks and downsides of sports betting. Listen now to this episode and learn about: Joel's personal experience with sports gambling Why it's hard to pull away from sports betting once you're in action Ideas for decreasing and stopping sports gambling Why live sports betting is something to be concerned about   If you would like more information on the downsides of sports betting and what to do if it is a concern, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca.  You can also read the book that Joel Soper wrote with Philip Wyeth, "Never Enough Zeroes." If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  

It's common to get caught up in the emotions of gambling.  Who hasn't had thoughts such as, "I'm on a lucky streak!" or "I'm due for a win anytime." In this episode, we share examples of how our thinking gets off track because of the emotions of gambling.  We present some facts to help you think straight and keep gambling in control. Learn about: how the random number generators in slot machines work why gambling for long periods of time can work against you why it's helpful to take a second look at your systems and superstitions how you might be missing the signs of gambling addiction This episode, like the previous two, is for a broader audience - those of you who gamble and don't see it as a problem, but would like to know more about keeping in check.  If you would like more information on thinking straight about gambling, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. If you live in British Columbia and would like to connect with the guests for this episode, Martha Funk and Roxanne L'Esperance, or access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.  

How do you know if gambling is a problem?  In this episode we help you to recognize the warning signs of a gambling problem.  We also offer guidance on next steps to take if you or a loved one have concerns about gambling. Listen now to learn about: seven warning signs of a gambling problem what to do if you notice signs of a gambling problem in yourself or someone you care about where to get support and help If you would like more information on the warning signs of gambling addiction, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca or take a self assessment on the Gambling Support BC website. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here.  To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.  Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

Most of us gamble.  In British Columbia, nearly 75% of adults gambled at least once in the past year.  For some (about 3-4% of adults), it gets out of hand and causes problems. If you gamble, how do you keep it in check?  What limits should you set for yourself? How do you stick to these limits? In this episode, we tell you about guidelines that have recently been developed in Canada to help you reduce the risk of experiencing harms from gambling.  Listen now to learn about: guidelines for how much to spend, how often to play, and how to limit the types of gambling activities who has a higher risk of developing gambling problems tips for sticking to your gambling limits. If you would like more information on the guidelines for low-risk gambling, see Adrienne and her guests in this YouTube video, read the blog for this episode at www.gamblinghelp.ca or visit www.gamblingguidelines.ca If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC. If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.