Harm Reduction and Gambling
Harm reduction strategies have more commonly been implemented and studied in land-based gambling (e.g., casinos) environments (Marionneau et al., 2023). A survey of more than 4,000 American students determined that harm reduction practices were protective for men as they showed lower scores for problem gambling and spent fewer dollars overall (Lostutter et al., 2014). Self-determination has also been shown to strongly reduce problem gambling behaviour in college students (Neighbors & Larimer, 2004).
Developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSUA), the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines intend to help minimize the harms associated with gambling (CCSUA, 2021). These guidelines are meant to be considered holistically, rather than as distinct recommendations, and can be used with students to establish goals.
| Guideline 1 | Amount of Money |
| Gamble the amount of money that is equivalent or less than 1% of your household income per month |
| Guideline 2 | Frequency of Gambling |
| Gambling no more than 4 times a month |
| Guideline 3 | Type of Games |
| Gambling at a maximum of 2 types of games |
Other recommendations include:
- Providing awareness and education on early signs of problem gambling, financial literacy, safer gaming alternatives, and non-judgemental supports.
- Educating students on how online gambling is marketed to increase gambling, either through language (“Level up!”), promise of great fortune, and/or colourful visuals.
- Organize events that shift focus away from entertainment activities that involve winning money (sports, arts, social gatherings, etc.)
- Proactively offer professional support services specifically aimed at addressing student gambling, rather than it being an after-thought.
Resources
Learn more about guidelines here:
- Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
- Young Adults and Gambling by Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) outlines risks specific to young adults, helpful resources, games and quizzes to educate young people on gambling.
- Access a sample ‘Gambling Harm Reduction Recovery Plan’ Worksheet
Access other gambling-related resources from CICMH here:
- Gambling and Gaming on Campus: A Hidden Problem? – Infosheet
- Gambling and Gaming on Campus: A Hidden Problem? – Webinar
- Problem Gambling in Post-Secondary – Webinar
- Gambling within Post-Secondary Institutions – Webinar
- Cannabis and Gambling Addiction Awareness – Podcast