The Hidden Cost of Gambling: Suicide Risk and the Power of Early Intervention

There is an identified and well-documented relationship between gambling and suicide. Individuals who suffer from gambling disorders are at significantly higher risk for suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths. This can be attributed to the severe emotional, financial, and social consequences that can accompany problematic gambling.

When combined with intense feelings of shame and hopelessness that may result from mounting debts, relationship breakdowns, and job losses, the risk of suicide becomes more acute.This presentation will focus on problematic gambling prevention and recovery, highlighting research, data-informed strategies, and promising practices that strengthen community response.

This event will bring together community leaders, service providers, and advocates to explore how clear, consistent language and coordinated efforts can reduce stigma and increase awareness related to gambling harms.

Objectives

1. Identify the symptoms of gambling disorder that increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

2. Discover current research that demonstrates the relationship between problematic gambling and suicide.

3. Examine evidenced-based gambling screening tools that can be implemented in practice to increase opportunities for intervention.

4. Recognize protective factors characteristics that can reduce harms with resources for help and hope.