GamblinG among métis

SeniorS

ontario Problem gambling Helpline: 1-800-230-3505If you or someone you know is suffering from gambling related problems, contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline for a treatment specialist or the location of a treatment centre near you.

For more information, you can also contact a Metis Nation of Ontario (MNO) community wellness worker at an MNO office near you or contact MNO’s Responsible Gambling Coordinator: Toll Free: 1-800-263-4889Email: info@metisresponsiblegambling.ca Métis Nation of Ontario500 Old St Patrick Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 9G4

métis seniors gambling statistics

The MNO conducted research in 2010 which revealed that Métis Seniors most frequently gamble with:

• Their spouse

• Alone

• With non-Métis friends

Almost 50% of Métis seniors know someone that has a gambling problem.

Almost 25% of Métis seniors indicated that gambling has caused problems within the family. Among the most prominent issues indicated are:

• Family member choses to go to the casino instead of family get-togethers

• Divorce

• Successful family members have been left nearly destitute with nothing to show for their pay checks but debt (repossessed homes, spent pension and inheritance, left in financial crisis)

Many Métis seniors are concerned that problem gambling will make a negative impact on the Métis community at large due to the shame that a problem gambler brings to the family.

Although majority (63%) of Métis seniors have respon-sible gambling habits, data from MNO 2011 research identified the following percentage of Métis seniors that are at risk:

• 20% are low risk gamblers

• 9% are moderate risk gamblers

• 8% are problem gamblers.

What is gambling?

Gambling is when someone risks losing something of value, usually money or belongings, and winning or losing is decided by chance. According to the research completed in 2011 by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) in partnership with the University of Guelph, the most common gambling activities by Métis seniors, in order for most common to the lesser, are:

• Raffle Tickets

• Lottery Tickets

• Scratch Tickets

• Slot Machines

• Bingo

• Sports Betting

• Other Casino Games (blackjack, roulette, poker)

• Horse Racing

What is Problem gambling?

Problem gambling occurs when gambling begins to negatively impact a person’s life not only in a financial manner but on a mental, physical, emotional or spiritual level. Problem gambling can lead to serious consequences including:

• Financial Crisis

• Emotional Difficulties and Isolation

• Physical Health Problems

• Physical/Emotional Abuse

• Stress/Burnout

• Crime

• Suicide

What is Responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling means viewing gambling as a form of entertainment. Like most entertainment, it is something we do occasionally, setting appropriate time and money limits. If you do decide to gamble, remember these simple suggestions in order to ensure responsible gambling behaviour:

• View gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money

• Only gamble what you can afford to lose

• Set a time and finance limit and stick to it

• Never chase losses

• Do not gamble when you are depressed or upset

Many Métis seniors enjoy gambling at home with family members of all ages as a social recreational activity. Home

gaming is primarily done in a fun and safe atmosphere where the stakes are non-

existent or relatively small. This type of gambling is more of a game of challenge

where the activity is not monetary but focuses on “bragging rights”.