For most people, gambling is a recreational activity ranging from buying a lottery ticket to placing a bet at a racetrack. In recent years, gambling has expanded and has become more visible. Approximately 4% of Ontarians have moderate to severe problems related to their gambling.
 
 

What sets a low-risk gambler apart from a person with a gambling problem? People with a gambling problem often bet with money that they can't afford to lose. As they spend more and more time gambling, they may start to neglect family, friends, work and social obligations.
 
They may even neglect themselves - not eating or sleeping properly and not caring about their appearance. People with a gambling problem often borrow money to gamble. Credit cards may be maxed out or second mortgages taken out on a home. Despite negative consequences, they may continue to chase after losses while denying they have a problem.
 
People with gambling problems may lie about their gambling and may do things that compromise their own personal values, such as engaging in illegal acts. Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or social status.