March is Gambling Awareness Month

    Friday, 28 March 2025 07:00

    By Tonya Organ

    William Lummus is the Regional Addictions Prevention Consultant in the western zone for NL Health Services. He says there are signals that gambling is becoming a problem like issues in life, at work, in school and with finances. 

    Many people are involved in some form of gambling, whether it be lotteries, bingos, raffles, and so on. March is Gambling Awareness Month and it was also the topic of this week’s edition of the Plain Truth on Bayfm. The month is designed to increase public awareness about problem gambling as well as related prevention and interventions to encourage responsible practices. Guest William Lummus is the Regional Addictions Prevention Consultant in the western zone for NL Health Services. He says there are signals that gambling is becoming a problem like issues in life, at work, in school and with finances. 

    Lummus says high risk gambling can also be considered as a mental health concern that can become a “Gambling Disorder, ” which can be medically treated. He says similar to substance use, gamblers need to bet higher to get that internal reward that creates that dopamine rush but withdrawals can also include irritability, anxiousness, hiding the impacts, and being preoccupied constantly by gambling.  Lummus says when you can’t stop despite when it causes harm, it has become a gambling disorder. 

     

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Low-level cloud

      High: 12°C | Low: 7°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy Rain

      High: 11°C | Low: 6°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday,

      Trash Talk Thursday, October 16, 2025

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday October 15, 2025

      Saturday October 18 is "World Menopause Day"

    • Qalipu Today

      Qalipu Today, October 14, 2025

      Scott James , Patient Navigator of the Western Zone for NL Health Services joins the show