Shining a Light on the problem of Gambling Addiction in Saskatchewan by Parwaz Bhandal

by Parwazdeep Bhandal | For Ms. Wallings Blog Spot | Posted on January 23rd, 2023 5:53PM

Image Posted by Parwazdeep Bhandal, 2023

It is difficult to deny the ever-increasing presence of gambling in our province as the sparkling lights and loud music of casinos fill the streets of Saskatchewan. Underneath the sparkling exterior, however, is a more serious reality: gambling addiction is a major problem that is affecting people and their families in our province and the world. According to Statistics Canada, more than two-thirds of Canadians ages 15 and older have recently gambled. The majority of the gambling in the province is overseen by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), which must take responsibility for the issue and take the necessary action adopting new policies to reduce gambling in this province. It's essential to take strong action to address this rising issue since gambling addiction is starting to cast a shadow over our communities.


Addiction to gambling can result in severe money problems, mental health issues, problems with relationships, impulsive behaviour, run-ins with the police, and physical health issues. According to studies, people with gambling addictions often have major effects on themselves and their families. For instance, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction's research found that gamblers are more likely to experience marital problems, mental health issues, and financial troubles. According to studies, gambling addiction may have a detrimental impact on neighbourhoods by increasing crime and draining social services. The province must deal with the problem if it wants to protect the people from the possible harm that gambling addiction may cause.


The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) must take the lead and implement rules in order to minimize the harm brought on by gambling such as increasing funding for gambling programs and services, implementing stricter regulations on gambling advertising, increasing public awareness, stricter rules and regulations for online gambling, increasing the age limit to gamble, and limiting the amount of time and money that people can spend on gambling. Research has demonstrated the value of these sorts of actions. For instance, the British Columbia Responsible and Problem Gambling Program's studies found that gambling policies were effective in minimizing the negative effects of gambling addiction. Similar outcomes were found in Australia, where a public awareness campaign significantly increased the number of people seeking help for gambling problems and decreased the number of people reporting harm. By creating rules that aim to decrease these harmful effects, the government may protect citizens from the effects and support people who are struggling with gambling addiction.


Despite what some people may say Gambling addiction has negative effects that are serious and far-reaching, not only for the addict but also for their families, communities, and surroundings. Despite this, some people argue that gambling regulation by the government is unnecessary. Though research has shown that putting laws and regulations in place can successfully lessen the suffering brought on by problem gambling, the government still has a duty to protect its citizens from harm.

“ The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket."

- Kin Hubbard

Gambling addiction is a serious issue in our province that has a negative impact on individuals, their families, and communities. We must act fast to address this growing problem by implementing rules and services that aim to decrease the harm caused by gambling. By educating others about the dangers of gambling and advocating for laws that are intended to lessen the damage that it does, we as people may help this effort. We must realize that gambling addiction requires the right kind of support and together, we can protect our communities against the negative impacts of gambling addiction

Work Cited

Branch, Gaming Policy & Enforcement. “Responsible Gambling Strategies, Studies and Reports.” Province of British Columbia, Province of British Columbia, 30 Apr. 2021, https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/responsible-gambling/strategies-studies-reports.

“Gambling Reforms.” Department of Social Services, Australian Government, https://www.dss.gov.au/communities-and-vulnerable-people-programs-services-gambling/gambling-reforms.

“Gambling.” Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, https://www.ccsa.ca/gambling.

Rotermann, Michelle, and Heather Gilmour. “Gambling in Canada.” Who Gambles and Who Experiences Gambling Problems in Canada, Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 9 Aug. 2022, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2022001/article/00006-eng.htm.

T;, Regard M;Knoch D;Gütling E;Landis. “Brain Damage and Addictive Behavior: A Neuropsychological and Electroencephalogram Investigation with Pathologic Gamblers.” Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology : Official Journal of the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14765001/.

“Top 25 Gambling and Love Quotes: A-Z Quotes.” A, https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/gambling-and-love.html.

            Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. “Effects of Gambling.” Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, 8 Oct. 2019,                                                                                 https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/reducing-harm/awareness-campaigns/effects-gambling/.