Hi Angela, this must of been such a shock for you and I hope there is someone around you can talk to about it and get some support for you.
Your post is full of love and concern for your brother as well as a willingness to try and understand why he might of been attracted to gambling. As I am sure you realize though compulsive gambling is far more than finding gambling fun and spending more than you should, it is a true addiction that needs proper treatment, like at the place in Toronto you mentioned.
It sounds like you found this out by chance and he didn’t tell you, is that right? It also sounds like he is already in some trouble with it, losing his job etc so he will be feeling low, upset, ashamed, and afraid right now. I am assuming from the tone of your post you are quite emotionally close so I would suggest talking to him and asking him about it in a calm. no judgmental way much as you have done here and see where he is with it. Getting angry, accusational, or aggressive will not help. Now could be a good time to contact him if he is on a gambling low having lost all his money he may be more receptive to talking but remember only he can stop this, you can’t do it for him, if he is in denial or unwilling to seek help you can’t make him. No matter what the situation do not give him money or bail him out, this will only enable his gambling.
At ths time it is so important to look after yourself. Do not feel you have to keep his secrets or get drown in, you need to be able to talk to people if you need to.
Please keep posting and know this is a safe place for you to come and air your concerns and feelings. Lily x