Signs of gambling harm
Below are some common signs of gambling harm.
If you recognise these signs in yourself or a loved one, free support is available.
What is gambling harm?
Gambling harm occurs when gambling negatively impacts your finances, relationships, mental health, physical health, job, studies, or other parts of your life and wellbeing.
Gambling harm may be referred to by some people as “problem gambling” or a “gambling addiction.” It’s important to avoid these kinds of phrases, as they can contribute to the stigma surrounding gambling and can intensify feelings like shame and guilt.
Signs of a “gambling problem” in adults
Financial signs of gambling harm
- Borrowing money or taking out loans to gamble
- Selling assets to gamble
- Stealing money to gamble
- Attempting to gamble with a credit card
(this is banned in Australia) - Viewing gambling as a way to earn
money, profit, or income - Chasing losses by gambling more
- Borrowing money or taking out loans to
gamble - Selling assets to gamable
- Attempting to gamble with a credit
card (this is banned in Australia) - Money missing from bank accounts,
wallet/purse, or money jar - Perpetrating financial abuse (link to financial abuse blog post or page)
Behavioural signs of gambling harm
- Less involved in their regular hobbies
- Using drugs or alcohol more often or more excessively
- Constantly checking their phone
- Strong negative emotions like anger or sadness at gambling losses
- Seeming worried, agitated, or upset for no apparent reason
- Talking a lot about gambling
- Avoiding the topic of gambling
- Spending excessive time in locations with gaming rooms or pokies
- Researching odds and betting strategies
- Changes in eating patterns or sleeping habits
- Seeming distracted or not “present”
Relationship signs of gambling harm
- Seeming uninterested in family and friends
- Becoming withdrawn from family or friends
- Changes in relationship patterns
- Controlling or manipulative behaviour
- Showing signs of abusive behaviour
- Arguing about gambling
- Becoming neglectful of their partner
- Becoming neglectful of their children
- Missing from, late to, or leaving early from family events
- Neglecting responsibilities at home
Signs a colleague or employee is experiencing gambling harm
- Falling behind on work assignments
- Coming into work hungover
- Spending excessive time at places with gaming rooms
- Constantly checking their phone
- Seeming distant or not present
- Taking out pay in advance
Signs of gambling harm in children and young people
Children in Australia as young as 10 years old are found to be participating in forms of gambling. Gambling harm can be dangerous to their development and may cause severe problems that follow them into adulthood.
With early intervention, you can minimise the effects of gambling harm.
Preoccupied with gambling
Using a parent or guardian’s money to gamble
Watching gambling-related content on social media
Underperforming or falling behind at school
Talking excessively about betting and odds
Playing video games with loot boxes
Using gambling apps or websites
Checking in on gambling games, apps, or sites daily
Making financial transactions on video games and esports
Spending a large portion of any income or pocket money on gambling
Asking for money to gamble with
Free and confidential support is available 24/7
Call Gambling Help
Call for a free, confidential chat any time, or to book an appointment.
