Gambling in Canada
Like debt, excessive gambling can foster the desire for immediate gratification. There are a number of Casinos, slot machines, and other gaming venues across Canada. Since the changes to the Gaming Act in 1969, each province has control over gaming.

When did gambling begin?
It is estimated that it started at least 5,000 years ago. Archaeologists have found evidence of gambling—a game involving staking something of value on an outcome—in Africa, Asia, Europe, Egypt, Greece, and many other world-wide locations.

The Las Vegas attraction
Once run by gangsters, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A. has undergone a complete transformation as millions annually visit the “strip.” Vegas hotel owners redesigned the city adding many theme hotels that together made a profit of over $1 billion US in 2005. Las Vegas offers architecturally opulent hotels—you can get a slice of Paris, New York, Rome, Egypt, and the old Wild West to boot—all supported by the money that the majority of gamblers lose.

Gambling can be harmless if it is infrequent, casual play. But it can pose a major risk of losing money if you get “hooked” on casino games, the track, bingo, or lotteries, and generally always diverts your energy and time.

Up to six percent of gamblers can face problems if:
• spending amounts of money increases over the time you gamble
• there is a preoccupation with gambling
• you “chase losses” to try to win money back
• you increase debt—borrow money, or use credit cards to gamble
• you lie to cover up gambling
• work, family, or friends are neglected
• gambling becomes an escape from basic daily pressures
• you engage in fraud, or theft to finance gambling
• feelings of remorse, or desperation follow a loss
• violent arguments follow gambling bouts

Responsible strategies to play it safe if you must gamble:
• accept losses as the cost of entertainment
• gamble together with friends, or family, not alone
• gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money
• decide on a loss limit and stick to it—never use cash machines to get more money for gambling than intended
• never borrow to gamble, or use your credit card(s)
• set a time limit and quit when the time is up
• take frequent breaks, and balance gambling with other activities
• only gamble with money allocated to “entertainment” in your budget (do not tap into money used for monthly expenses)
• do not gamble when under stress, or when you are feeling depressed or troubled

The high cost of a Las Vegas trip
Be careful. Don’t let a gambling habit ruin your financial independence, or relationships. Rather, prefer to take investor risk as you invest for the long-term, while exercising prudent patience. Take a look at the actual cost of a “responsible” Las Vegas trip all told. All that glitters is not gold!