Gambling problems often go undetected until a legal, financial, or emotional crisis occurs. If you or a family member has a gambling problem, there is help available.

Problem Gambling Help Line

The Problem Gambling Help Line, established in 1994, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge.

The Help Line provides:

  • Information
  • Crisis counselling
  • Crisis intervention services
  • Provides information and referrals to problem gambling counsellors and self-help groups.

The provincial toll-free number for the Problem Gambling Help Line is 1-800-306-6789.

Problem Gambling Counselling Services

Counselling services for people experiencing problems related to their gambling and for their families are available in all health authorities in Saskatchewan. Services are offered by experienced counsellors who work in out-patient settings. A list of the names and phone numbers of problem gambling counsellors can be obtained by visiting the Problem Gambling website at spgh.ca/gambler-supports/ or by contacting the Problem Gambling Help Line.

These counselling services are available free of charge to Saskatchewan residents.

During the first meeting, the counsellor will ask questions about the individual’s situation and assists the gambler in dealing with urgent, immediate issues first. This might include establishing controls to limit spending or access to money., discussing ways to avoid gambling venues and dealing with any urgent emotional, family, legal, work, or school issues.

The counsellor may suggest other professional resources to assist with specific problem areas such as legal problems, financial crisis, or severe depression.

Individuals seeking assistance are free to accept or reject the recommendations of the counsellor and can suggest other ideas that may be effective.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

GA is a self-help group of individuals who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other, to solve their common problems and help others to recover from a gambling problem. There are no membership fees.

Credit Counselling Services

The Credit Counselling Society is Canada’s largest non-profit credit counselling service. They provide credit counselling, debt consolidation and bankruptcy alternatives services.

Available by calling 1-888-527-8999 or online at www.nomoredebts.org

Private Agency Counsellors

There are several private counsellors providing services in Saskatchewan and can be located in telephone directories “yellow pages”. Private counsellors vary in the fees they charge and the cost of private agency counsellors is not covered under the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health benefits.

Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EAP, EFAP)

Many employers offer EAP/EFAP services to their employees. Your supervisor or Human Resource Department should be able to provide more information about your EFAP program. Employee and Family Assistance Program is an intervention program for employees experiencing social, health, or financial problems which affects their work performance.