How to deal with gambling debt in Alberta

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels

It started out fun, maybe even a bit exciting. It was an easy way to unwind after a long day. But at some point, it stopped being fun.

Now you’re in debt, you’re spending all your free time on gambling apps, and you’re lying to your partner about where the money went.

What started as a harmless hobby now feels out of control. You ‘re embarrassed, ashamed, and confused about how this happened. If you can relate, you’re not alone. And don’t worry, this is fixable.

As gambling has become more accessible, an increasing number of Canadians are taking part. Recent data from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) found that seven in 10 (73%) of adult Canadians participate in some sort of gambling, and one in 10 (9%) were classified as having problem gambling.

While gambling can start as an entertaining way to pass time, it can lead to serious issues, including significant debt, relationship conflict, social isolation, and psychological distress.

If you think you or someone you love may be struggling with gambling, seeking help early can make all the difference.

Who’s at risk of gambling addiction and debt?

While no one is immune to developing a gambling problem, some groups are more likely to be affected. If you identify with any of the factors in the list below, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. But you might want to pay closer attention to your habits.

According to the MHRC and MyHealth Alberta, you may have a higher risk of problem gambling if you:

• Are young (16 to 34 years)
• Are male
• Earn less than $30,000
• Have a mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder
• Struggle with a substance use disorder
• Have been abused or neglected as children
• Have seen or been a victim of violence

Signs gambling has become a financial problem

If you’re starting to worry about your gambling but you’re still questioning if it’s really a problem, here are some signs to look out for. These come from the Canadian Mental Health Association and MyHealth Alberta:

• You try to quit or cut back, but you can’t
• You feel restless or upset when you try to stop
• You lie to others about your gambling
• You constantly think about gambling
• You gamble with money that’s needed for essentials
• You use gambling to escape your problems
• Your gambling has caused you to lose something important like a relationship or job
• You need help to stop

Why it’s so hard to quit

If you’ve tried to cut back and it hasn’t worked, please don’t be hard on yourself. This isn’t about willpower. There’s real psychology behind why it’s so difficult to walk away from gambling.

• The brain’s reward system. For many people, the brain responds to gambling like it responds to alcohol or drugs. It releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you a boost of pleasure and excitement. This reinforces risk-taking behaviour.
• The design of gambling platforms. Casinos, betting apps, and online gambling sites are often intentionally designed to keep you engaged. Bright lights, celebratory sounds, and near misses all encourage you to stay longer and keep playing.
• The sunk cost fallacy. This is the belief that you’ve already invested time or money, so you should keep going. You might think, “I’ve been playing this machine for so long, I must be getting close to a win.” In reality, past losses don’t make a future win more likely. Your odds of winning don’t improve because you’ve been playing for a long time.
• Loss chasing. After a big loss, it’s natural to want to recover your money. Loss chasing is when you keep gambling, or increasing your bets, in the hope of winning back what you lost. Unfortunately, this often leads to even bigger losses and more debt.

How to get out of gambling debt in Canada

You don’t have to fix everything today, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Small, steady changes add up. The fact that you’re questioning your gambling habits is the first step. Here are some of the things you can try to manage your gambling.

• Give yourself some guardrails. Before you play, set a time limit. Give yourself 30 minutes and use a timer. When the alarm goes off, you’re done. The same idea works for money. You can use a low-limit credit card with no room to increase your limit. Think of it like bringing $20 to the casino. Once it’s gone, so are you.
• Make it harder to add new debt. Deleting gambling apps from your phone is a solid first step. If you want extra backup, apps like BetBlocker or Gamban can block gambling sites automatically. Removing your credit card information from gambling sites and apps adds a little friction.
• Fill your time with new hobbies. If you’re tempted to gamble on Friday evenings or when you’re feeling bored after work, try to fill this time with other things. Having a short list of go-to activities like a walk, hanging out with a friend, or a fitness class can make it easier to resist the urge. If you feel open to sharing, reconnecting with a trusted friend can help keep you accountable.
• Let someone help. This is where we come in. Talking to a Certified Financial Counsellor can help to take some of the weight off your shoulders. Our counsellors will look at your whole financial situation and walk you through your options. There’s no judgement, we’ve helped many Albertans navigate similar situations. If gambling is affecting more than your finances, a therapist or addictions counsellor can help you work through what’s going on underneath it.

Gambling debt and bankruptcy

Here’s some important information to consider if you or someone you love is thinking about bankruptcy to deal with gambling debt.

Federal law treats gambling a little differently than other types of debt. The Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the document that governs how bankruptcy works, specifically identifies gambling as a factor that can affect your bankruptcy discharge.

A discharge is the final step in the bankruptcy process, during which you’re legally released from your responsibility to pay the debts included in the bankruptcy. If gambling contributed to your debt, your discharge could be opposed, delayed, or could include conditions.

To be clear, gambling debt does not automatically close the door on bankruptcy. According to the Play Safe Initiative, many people with gambling-related debt have successfully completed bankruptcy proceedings. But every situation is different. Speaking with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee can help you understand what to expect.

There are other options too, like a consumer proposal, which treats gambling debt differently than bankruptcy does. Whichever way you want to go, a counsellor can help you think through your options before you commit to anything.

Debt help for Alberta gambling

You don’t have to go into a financial crisis before you ask for help. Our Certified Financial Counsellors offer free, confidential, no-judgement sessions. We’ve talked to many Albertans dealing with the same issues you’re going through, and we can help you find your path forward.

When you’re ready, give us a call at 1-888-294-0076 or fill in our online contact form.

Here are a few more Alberta- and Canada-based resources to help you find the support you need.

• Call 211 Alberta: Free helpline and online database of community and social services in Alberta
• Call 988: Canada’s suicide crisis hotline
• Alberta addictions helpline: 24/7 confidential phone service. Call 1-866-332-2322
• Alberta Gamblers Anonymous
• Kids Help Phone: 24/7 crisis and support for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868