New guidelines released for Windsor-Essex residents to consider before gambling
With local casinos reopened and online betting easier than ever, there are concerns that problem gambling could be on the upswing.
New guidelines have been released by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addition (CCSA) aimed at helping reduce the harm caused by gambling.
“It doesn’t matter how educated you are. It doesn’t matter your socioeconomic status. Your religion, your gender. It has no baring,” says gambling counsellor Chelsea Rodrigues.
Rodrigues says the new guidelines are welcome at Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare in Windsor-Essex telling CTV News there is concern that those who have been diagnosed with a previous gambling addiction could relapse with the easing of indoor restrictions and access to online wagering.
“We highly encourage people who have already been diagnosed with a problematic or addictive gambling disorder, not to go in and test the waters and say well it’s been so long since I’ve been to the casino, I just wonder how I’ll fare now that we’re open again,” she says.
The CCSA recommendations includes gabling no more than one per cent of your household income per month, gamble no more than four days a month, and keep regular gambling to two or fewer types of games.
“It’s really just a way of limiting people’s gambling participation,” says Dr. Matthew Young who co-chaired the scientific committee that developed the CCSA guidelines.
Young says the guidelines should go hand in hand with each other for harm reduction.
“The reason some people experience some harm from gambling is the expenditure and then there’s also the time away from family and friends or time spent gambling that could have been spent doing other things,” Young says.
Meanwhile, Rodrigues says there is space available for in-person treatment for problematic gambling, explaining the wait time between first phone call and consultation is typically two days.
“We are seeing clients face to face,” she says. “We still have a residential program running and fortunately our wait time and our wait list is not long.”
Rodrigues adds, “It doesn’t need to get so bad that you come here in a crisis. It can come if you’re have questions or if you’re a loved one of a gambler and you have some questions about somebody else’s behaviours, you’re more than welcome to come and receive that information.”
She says anyone can fall victim to problematic gambling, saying it’s best to plan on losing.
“If you’re honest with yourself about your intentions before you go gambling if it really is just for entertainment and you can afford it no problem, go for it,” Rodrigues says. “However, if you’re going for any other reason than that, that should raise some red flags and we’re definitely here to talk about it.”
- With files from ctvnews.ca
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
Live updates: G7 nations seek to counter Chinese influence
The latest on the G7 summit: The Group of Seven leading democratic economies has formally launched at its annual summit a global infastructure and investment partnership aimed at pushing back China's influence in the developing world.
U.S. Ambassador Cohen on inflation, the convoy protests, abortion rights and gun control
David Cohen has been the United States' Ambassador to Canada since November 2021, and in the time since, both Canada and the United States have experienced a series of shared challenges. In an interview at his official residence in Ottawa, Cohen opens up about the state of the relationship.
Norway mourns victims of Oslo shooting with memorial service
Norway's prime minister and members of the royal family joined mourners at a memorial service Sunday at Oslo Cathedral for the victims of a shooting attack as the capital held its annual LGBTQ Pride festival.
As Senate-confirmed justices end Roe, how will voters react?
Republicans are heading into a November midterm election that is poised to swiftly become a referendum on the court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, as voters decide which party should control Congress
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.