Are you worried about someone else’s gambling?
Seeing someone you care about—whether it’s a friend, partner, family member, or other loved one—experience gambling harm can be challenging.
It’s natural to want to help and support them, but it’s also essential to take care of yourself. Gambling harm often affects more than just the person gambling, with impacts spreading to those around them.
Gambling Help offers free and confidential support to people affected by someone else’s gambling.
Talking to someone about gambling
You can play a vital role in helping your loved one overcome gambling harm.
Starting an open and honest conversation about their gambling can be a positive first step.
Helping someone who has a “gambling problem”
A person struggling with gambling harm (often referred to as “gambling addiction” or a “gambling problem”) might feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to ask for help.
Your support can make a significant difference.
Looking after yourself when someone else is gambling
Another person’s gambling can affect you in various ways.
Whether it’s financial stress, relationship issues, or general worry about someone close to you, it’s important to prioritise your well-being.
Who can gambling harm affect?
- Partners
- Friends
- Parents
- Other family members
- Colleagues
- Community members and peers
How can someone else’s gambling affect me?
- Relationship breakdown
- Arguments and disagreements
- Financial risks like debt or stealing
- Stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns
- Abuse, including domestic and family violence and financial abuse
- Physical health concerns like sleeplessness and difficulty focusing
Protecting yourself and your finances
If someone else’s gambling is affecting your safety or financial security, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
Learn more about protecting yourself, your finances, and the signs of financial abuse
Staying safe and essential support
Your safety and your family’s safety should always come first.
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 000.
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling service.
DVConnect Womensline
DVConnect Womensline is a free, 24/7 helpline for Queensland women and their children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.
Sexual Assault Helpline
The Sexual Assault Helpline has specialist counsellors who will listen and always believe you.
Hours: 7:30 am – 11 pm every day
DVConnect Mensline
DVConnect Mensline supports men who are using or experiencing abuse in any relationship.
Hours: 9 am – midnight, every day
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is Australia’s free, confidential, 24/7 online phone and counselling service for young people ages 5 to 25.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides free, 24/7 crisis support.
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Chat online on the Lifeline website
If you are in immediate danger, please phone 000.
Gambling Helpline
The Gambling Helpline provides free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support to those experiencing gambling-related problems.
Free and confidential support is available 24/7
Gambling harm doesn’t just affect the person gambling—it can have a ripple effect, impacting families, relationships, and entire communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential help is available. Reach out today.
Call Gambling Help
Call for a free, confidential chat any time, or to book an appointment.
Gambling Help Blog
Our Gambling Help counsellors, practitioners, and community educators share professional advice for people experiencing gambling harm and for those affected by someone else’s gambling.
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