67. Let's Talk About Gambling In Our Communities

Most of us encounter gambling daily in our communities.  There's scratch and lottery tickets at the gas station, sports pools at work, and bingo down the road.  In addition, there's all the gambling we encounter in fundraising - the 50/50 draws at local sporting events as well as raffles and community bingo.  Do you think of all of these as gambling?  Do you ever have conversations with family, friends or the groups you're involved with about the risks of gambling or how to support people in your community who have been impacted negatively by gambling? In this episode, we hear from Sheri Pringle who works with Gambling Support BC and IS regularly out in the community talking about gambling.  She's passionate about the issue.  Her message is for all of us to give gambling the same attention as we do to alcohol, drugs and smoking. Tune in and hear about: How gambling is normalized in our day-to-day lives and communities (despite it causing harm for some of us) How to talk about gambling, including the risks and how to keep it in balance How organization and groups that use gambling to fundraise can be more attentive to community members who have been negatively impacted by gambling If you would like to read a summary of this episode, find the blog at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca. We're taking a holiday break in August 2023 and the next episode will be released in early September 2023.  However, we are busy planning for the fall.  If there is a question or topic that you would like us to address, please reach out through [email protected].  You can also connect through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.    If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services.  Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.