Gambling: A few facts
06/06/2007 - Lu 523 fois
General statistics and consequences
General statistics for the population of Quebec show:
- 2.6 % problem gamblers
- 2.1 % pathological gamblers.
Amongst young people (12-17) these proportions become:
- 2.8 % problem gamblers
- 2.4 % pathological gamblers.
Applied to the Pontiac, these proportions * represent, in the general population:
- Approximately 520 problem gamblers
- Approximately 420 pathological gamblers.
Amongst young people (12-17)
- Approximately 50 problem gamblers
- Approximately 40 pathological gamblers.
• Based on the Statistics Canada 2005 population projections.
Gambling opportunities
In addition to the lottery terminals and different places where lottery tickets are sold, the Pontiac territory contains:
- 26 video lottery permit holders
- About 70 video lottery terminals.
This number is approximate, as Loto Québec refuses to divulge the number of terminals in the region, even under the terms of the Act respecting Access to Information.
Some consequences
Problem or pathological gambling leads to behaviours * that are often undesirable and that have an impact on those close to the gambler:
- Gamblers become preoccupied with gambling
- Need to wager ever-increasing amounts of money in order to attain the desired state of excitement
- Make repeated but fruitless efforts to control, reduce or stop gambling
- Become restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling
- Play as a way of escaping from difficulties or easing dysphoric moods (e.g. feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression…)
- After losing money, frequently return to play another day in order to recover losses (get back on track)
- Lie to their family, therapist or others, to hide the extent of their gambling habits
- Commit illegal acts (forgery, fraud, theft, embezzlement) to finance their gambling activities
- Endanger or lose an important emotional relationship, a job, or study or career opportunities, because of their gambling
- Count on others to give them money and get them out of desperate financial situations resulting from their gambling.
• From DSM IV
Persons who present 3 or 4 of these behaviours are considered to be problem gamblers. Those considered pathological gamblers will present 5 or more of these behaviours.
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