News Release: Think You’ll Win? Health Unit Launches Campaign to Help You Learn the Odds

NORTH BAY, ON – The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) and the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing are launching Think You’ll Win? a gambling harm reduction campaign that adds perspective to the odds of winning big. The campaign features four scenarios that may seem unbelievable, but are statistically more likely to happen than winning big.

“Many people believe inaccurate information about gambling and odds,” says Justine Mallah, Community Health Promoter at the Health Unit. “Gambling is not a money-maker and it is far less likely that you will win big than you may think. For instance, think you’ll be dealt a straight flush? You’re more likely to spot an albino deer.”

Research shows that people with mistaken beliefs about the odds of winning are more likely to face gambling harms. Being informed about odds and how the game works before you bet are important steps to safer gambling.

“Increased access to in-person gambling and the popularity of online gambling websites have made gambling more accessible than ever in our community,” Mallah adds. “Gambling for fun is not a problem, but when used as a tool for income, to pay off bills or to win back money, for example, it is a problem.”

Problem gambling can affect anyone no matter their socioeconomic status. People with moderate or severe problem gambling and those close to them are more likely than the general population to experience other negative health and social impacts. The impact of problem gambling on community well-being is far reaching, with higher rates of depression, suicide, substance use disorders, homelessness, criminality and being victims or perpetrators of domestic and inter-partner violence, according to the data.

If you require support for problem gambling or if you are a family member or friend in need of support call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to be connected to a counselling service in your area.

For more information, call the Health Unit at 705-474-1400 or 1-800-563-2808, or learn more at myhealthunit.ca/gambling. To access support now, call the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing at 705-472-6515.

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Media Inquiries:

Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca