Abuse and gambling harm

Gambling is a part of life for many people. But in some relationships – whether between partners, friends, or family – it can be connected to abuse. That harm might be emotional, financial, or even physical. Sometimes, the person gambling is being harmed. Other times, they may be the one causing harm.

If you’re being mistreated, or if gambling is being used to control, frighten, or hurt you – you’re not alone. Free and confidential support is available, whether you’re the one gambling or not.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• What gambling-related abuse can look like
• How gambling and domestic violence can be connected
• Ways to keep yourself safe
• Where to get free support in Queensland.

Signs of gambling-related abuse

Abuse linked to gambling can show up in different ways.

Here are some signs you may be experiencing gambling-related abuse:

• You’re scared to talk to them about gambling
• They lie about their gambling – or try to hide it
• They’re gambling with your money or shared money
• You’ve had to hide money to protect yourself or your kids
• They get angry or aggressive when you bring up gambling
• You feel stuck or afraid to leave because they control the finances
• You’ve been pressured to give them money or cover gambling debts
• They’re stealing from you or taking out loans and racking up debt in your name.

How gambling and abuse can be linked

Gambling doesn’t cause abuse – and abuse doesn’t cause gambling – but the two can feed into each other in harmful ways.

People who are gambling harmfully are more likely to act violently, or become targets of violence themselves.

Here are some ways that gambling and abuse can be connected:

• Gambling can be an “escape” from violence at home
• Gambling stress or losses can trigger anger, threats, or violence
• Someone may pressure or manipulate a partner to hand over money – this behaviour may indicate coercive control
• Gambling with shared money or household funds or racking up debts in someone else’s name – this behaviour may indicate financial abuse
• Family members or partners can become violent towards the person who gambles, especially as the consequences of their gambling escalate.

Staying safe

If someone is gambling harmfully, it’s important to think about your own safety and wellbeing, too.

Here are a few starting points:

• Talk to someone you trust – a friend, family member, or a gambling counsellor
• Create a safety plan – this might include an emergency cash stash, a list of important contacts written down, or knowing a safe place you and your children could go
• Protect your finances – consider opening a separate banking account, changing passwords, or putting repayment agreements in writing.

You can learn more about financial abuse here.

We also share more advice about what to do when your partner is gambling here.

Keep these numbers handy

These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:

• 1800RESPECT – for domestic and family violence support: 1800 737 732
• Gambling Help – for gambling-related crisis support and counselling: 1800 858 858
• Lifeline – for mental health and emotional crisis support: 13 11 14

These services are ready to support you.

You’re not alone – Support is available

It’s okay to reach out. Whether you’re dealing with gambling, abuse, or both, support is here for you.

Gambling Help supports anyone impacted by gambling – whether it’s your own or someone else’s. Call 1800 858 858 for free, confidential support anytime.

We can also help you book free, face-to-face counselling.

See our locations here.

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