Three Saskatchewan people recovering from gambling addiction are describing the wild swings, losses and sacrifices that came with their previous lifestyle — but also their improved quality of life since distancing themselves from it.

According to a recent Statistics Canada study of data gathered in the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey–Gambling Rapid Response, the Prairie provinces had the highest percentage of past-year gamblers at moderate-to-severe risk of gambling problems at 2.5 per cent. The national average was 1.6 per cent.

The rate among men in the Prairies was 2.7 per cent — and 2.2 per cent among women. The national rates were two per cent