Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems

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.