Gambling recovery advocate warns of hidden addiction risks

As Government allows gambling operations on Sundays, concerns are growing among those who work closely with people battling the addiction. For Lisa Sammy of the Journey to Recovery Foundation, the expansion is not simply a policy shift—it is a social and psychological risk, particularly for the most vulnerable.

Speaking on Altos, Sammy did not mince words about what increased access could mean for those already struggling.

“As somebody that deals with persons who struggle with this addiction, what I can tell you is they definitely don’t need more opportunities,” she said. “More opportunities mean more triggers…it’s temptation on repeat.”

Until now, Sunday has traditionally served as a pause—a day associated with family time, church, and reflection. Sammy worries that removing that break could intensify compulsive behaviour.

“Before, when it wasn’t offered every day, there’s a break in behaviour,” she explained. “Now it’s continuous. There’s no time for them to rest and reflect.”

A question of values

Beyond individual harm, Sammy believes the move sends a troubling cultural message, particularly to children and young people.

“When we look at the morals and values that we as a society are displaying for children to learn…we are normalising that behaviour by saying it’s okay for us to no longer keep the same traditions on a Sunday, but it’s a regular day.”

If gambling is to become more accessible, she argues, safeguards must grow alongside it.

“We need to have more education around it. We need to have more awareness. There needs to be more intervention, and there also needs to be more support.”

The ‘hidden disease’

Unlike alcohol or drug misuse, gambling addiction can be difficult to spot. There are no physical signs, no smell, no outward indicators.

“That’s why it’s referred to as a hidden disease and a hidden illness,” Sammy said. “In a lot of the cases, it’s not until sometimes people reach rock bottom that you discover they’ve had this problem.”

Instead, families must look for behavioural changes. Patterns begin to shift. Time once spent with loved ones disappears.

“You look for behaviours and things like the person becoming occupied fully. So, they neglect their responsibilities,” she said. “Patterns break. And now they’re fully consumed because all their time is focused on thinking about the gambling.”

Financial warning signs often follow

“You look out for them borrowing money from friends and family…you get all sorts of excuses,” she noted. “You look out for that financial distress as well—bills going unpaid—because all they’re consumed with is finding the money to go and gamble.”

While many assume gambling stems from a desire for quick cash, Sammy says the roots are often deeper and more complex.

“People think that people who gamble, it’s only about getting the money. But when we dig deeper…yes, there’s an economic part, but there’s a much deeper part.” That deeper part can include trauma, emotional strain, and everyday stress.

“People are sustained in this type of addiction or behaviour because of trauma, because of them trying to cope, sometimes simply with life stresses,” she explained.

Ironically, financial hardship can intensify, rather than discourage, gambling.

“One might think, well, if somebody is in debt, why would they gamble? Well, I’ll tell you that debt sometimes actually intensifies the gambling.”

A place to turn

With gambling likely to become more visible and accessible, Sammy wants the public to know help exists.

Journey to Recovery Foundation offers education, counselling and a safe space for those affected.

“A lack of knowledge can be the downfall of society,” she said. “When we aren’t aware of the dangers, people could easily fall into traps.”

She added a reminder for families who may be unsure about reaching out: “Addiction grows in silence and recovery heals with support.”

Persons seeking assistance can contact the Journey to Recovery Foundation via its website or social media platforms.

As the country debates the economic and legislative merits of expanded gambling, Sammy’s message is clear: policy decisions must be matched with compassion, awareness and real support systems—because for many, this is not entertainment, but a silent struggle.

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