For many, Christmas is a special time spent with family, friends and holiday cheer. Unfortunately, this warm and festive season can also be a very stressful time for anyone with a gambling problem.

The expectations to create the perfect Christmas celebration can be overwhelming.

This pressure may lead to excessive gambling to earn the extra money needed to meet these high expectations. Often, most of this Christmas money is lost, leaving very little left to purchase food and presents.

This situation can lead to hard feelings, arguments and disappointments which could push relationships to a breaking point. Losing money ear marked for Christmas can also push the gambler towards depression, making the holidays very gloomy and dismal.

What’s important to remember is that you are not alone.  Those who feel that gambling has taken over their life, and is causing them to make destructive decisions, can reach out to the Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Help Line.

One phone call can make a difference. These caring and trained professionals will help make sure you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

For more information on problem gambling and the free resources available, contact the Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline at www.spgh.ca or 1-800-306-6789.