Rod P., a recovering problem gambler, has expressed concerns about Alberta’s recent online gambling launch. Rod, who once contemplated suicide because of his addiction, shared his story to warn others of the dangers of excessive gambling.
Rod Struggled with His Gambling for Years
Speaking to CBC News, Rod said that he used to gamble a lot on video lottery terminals (VLTs). He started playing in his teens, but this hobby eventually spiraled out control, turning into an addictive habit. Over time, Rod lost his entire life savings and an inheritance from his parents. Rod revealed that after 10+ years of VLT play, he ended up losing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Rod said that “the endorphins” that got in his head while playing kept him glued to VLT machines, making it impossible to simply quit.
At one point, he was accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from his job as an executive director at a Calgary community association. Since he knew he was guilty, Rod packed his stuff and started contemplating suicide.
Luckily, he didn’t proceed with his plan and eventually sought help from the Gamblers Anonymous support group. While this helped him stop gambling, he never stopped visiting group meetings, just to make sure he doesn’t return to it.
While Rod has not gambled in 20 years, he still calls himself a compulsive gambler.
I am powerless over gambling. There’s a big difference between admitting and accepting. I know in my heart of hearts that I am a gambler. I know in my heart of hearts that I never ever can gamble again.
Rod
Rod Fears That iGaming Could Lead to More Harm
Rod also commented on Alberta’s recent decision to launch iGaming. Now that the gaming products of international gaming powerhouses are available in the province, more people than ever can play without breaking their usual routines. Rod is concerned that this could lead to a rise in problem gambling and, by extension, more stories such as his.
The man said that his decision to come out and share his experience is an attempt to warn people of the dangers of gambling, especially casinos that players can access via their cellphones.
Rod was likewise concerned about the prevalence of gambling ads, which could persuade even more vulnerable players to gamble.
In any case, Alberta has introduced stringent safer gambling requirements. Unlike Ontario which didn’t have universal self-exclusion right away, Alberta made sure that such services are available from the start.
It has yet to be seen whether the launch of online gambling in the province will lead to a spike in harm.