Problem Gambling and Video Gaming Services

Addictions / Substance Use

Provided by Government of British Columbia

Support and counselling services to groups and individuals with problematic gambling and video gaming.
BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program offers education, support and counselling services to groups and individuals in the area of gambling and video gaming. The following programs and services are offered:
  • Voluntary Self Exclusion Program (VSE): The Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program enables individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all facilities with slot machines, commercial bingo halls, or from accessing BCLC’s online gambling site for a predetermined amount of time. To enrol for VSE through your PlayNow.com account, log in to your account and access “Self-Exclusion” from within the “My Account” section. To enrol for VSE without having to go to a gaming facility, contact BCLC Consumer Services at 1-866-815-0222.
  • Discovery program: Discovery is a multi-day group treatment program. Programs run between 2 and 5 days and curriculum is varied; programs include Discovery 101, Discovering Self, Understanding Self, Emotional Meaning of Money, Relationships, and Forgiveness & Letting Go.Discovery is offered throughout the year in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. Interested individuals don’t need to live on Vancouver Island or in the Lower Mainland in order to attend Discovery. Out-of-town participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements but in cases of financial need, subsidies may be available to assist with these costs.
  • GamTalk: A free, confidential online forum. Members include gamblers, those impacted by another’s gambling, and others who just want to ask questions and learn more. Anyone can join GamTalk and posting on the forum is completely anonymous. Gambling issues are discussed between people with shared experiences.
  • Self-Assessment: A self-assessment questionnaire to help individuals determine if they may be experiencing problem gambling.
  • Counsellor: A counsellor is available to help individuals and families dealing with problematic gambling. Services are provided free of charge to all British Columbians.
  • Education services are available to school groups, community organizations, service clubs, and social service organizations.
  • Outreach support services provide individual, short-term support for those impacted directly by their or someone else’s gaming or gambling.

All services are available free of charge and be accessed through the Gam Info Line at 1-888-795-6111 or by visiting www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca

Website: https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/

Service is available in English.

Cost: No cost

Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Government of British Columbia:

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Availability

Service area: Province-wide

Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
  • Provided 1:1 in-person
  • Provided at multiple locations
  • Provided in a group in-person

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

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