Personal Stories

Here are some personal stories about people who gamble and about people who are affected by another person’s gambling. At the end of each story, you’ll find a gambling expert’s assessment of the person’s situation. If you find yourself relating to any of these stories, you may want to obtain assistance through the helping resources listed on this site. Or, check for more information from your local gambling programs and services.

My Gambling Slide

This is the story of Jack, a family man who slowly but surely started gambling too much. He is now deeply in debt and doesn’t know what to do to get out of the mess…

Mr. Y’s Story

Mr. Y is an immigrant who came to Canada to seek a better life, but gambling unexpectedly steered his life in a different direction…

A Spouse’s Concerns

Lynne is worried about her husband’s gambling and the effect it is having on her family’s life, as well as on her own personal state of mind…

This Is Not Fun Anymore: An Older Adult’s Story About Problem Gambling

A 69-year-old started gambling to fill time, but now is experiencing many problems as a result…

What’s Going On? An Adult Child’s Story

A daughter is extremely concerned about her elderly father’s gambling. It is affecting her life in more ways than one…

You Have to Help Me: A Story About Elder Abuse

A man who is in financial trouble caused by excessive gambling expects his father to pay his bills, and he won’t take “no” for an answer…

Self Exclusion from the Casino: Does It Make Sense For You?

This player loved gambling so much that she pawned possessions to keep up her habit – even though she could barely keep groceries on the table. Banning herself from the casino was the first step to turning her life around…