On Air Now

Heart FM Mornings

5:30am - 10:00am

Now Playing

SERENA RYDER

WHAT I WOULDN'T DO

Download

Online Gambling Concerns

Addiction Services is concerned over OLG's newly launched online gambling website.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's newly launched online gambling service is eliciting concern from Addiction Services in Oxford County. "With the expansion of any form of gambling we have a concern that more people will become involved," said Lori Griffith, Director of Addiction Services.

"But this is now something you can do anywhere anytime with all the mobile devices we have, so we do know that the more accessible something is, the more problematic that it can become, so we do have grave concern around the launch of this website, we've had grave concerns around all forms of gambling, it is a very hidden addiction."

The move towards online gambling will make it even easier for people to hide their addiction. "Because it's online there's also the fear that individuals will do that in the privacy of their own home. That sometimes problems can worsen before other individuals are noticing," said Griffith.

"One of the things that maybe other people aren't aware of is that online gambling has been around for a really long time, the only difference now is that the OLG Corporation has launched more of a legal site, online gambling sites before were more offshore betting sites."

Youth are particularly at risk for addictions to online gaming and gambling. According to the OLG's Responsible Gaming warning signs include:

-Have friends who gamble regularly
-Be obsessed with the results of professional sports
-Often have dice, playing cards or lottery tickets
-Lie or be secretive about gambling activities
-Borrow or take money from others to gamble
-Take money or possessions from the house

Gambling and gaming addiction services are offered around Oxford County in Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg.

More information can be found here.

More from Local News

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Weather

Recently Played