Signs of Gambling Harm
SIGNS OF GAMBLING HARM INCLUDE:
- Arguing with family and friends after gambling
- Borrowing money or selling assets to gamble
- Considering obtaining money to gamble through illegal means
- Feeling guilty or remorseful about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or feelings
- Hiding the extent of gambling
- Losing and having an urge to return as soon as possible to win back losses
- Missing work to gamble
- Spending more time or money gambling than planned.
OTHER SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
BEHAVIOURS OF GAMBLING HARM
- Decreased involvement in leisure activities
- Relying on others to pay for them in social situations
- Using drugs or alcohol more often/more excessively
- Constantly checking their phone
FINANCIAL SIGNS OF GAMBLING HARM
- Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
- Household items and valuables missing
- Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
- Borrowing money on a regular basis
- Having many loans at the one time
- Being secretive about financial records or payslips
- Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
- Lack of food in the house
RELATIONSHIP & EMOTIONAL SIGNS
- Seeming worried, distant or preoccupied
- Seeming not interested in family and friends
- Changes in sleeping, eating, or relationship patterns
- Using threats or lies to get what they want from others
- Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed or suicidal
BEHAVIOURS AT HOME
- Becoming withdrawn from others/family events
- Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
- Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
- Changes in personality – sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
- Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour
- Using threats, lies, or charm to manipulate others
TIME-SPENDING BEHAVIOURS
- Spending more and more time gambling
- Being secretive about unexplained absences
- Often being late for commitments
- Taking a lot of sick days or days off
- Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking hours to do regular grocery shopping)
Are any of these signs familiar to you? Check your gambling.
Need help? Let us help you.
The Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Call 1800 858 858.
Counsellors are skilled and experienced in helping individuals change their gambling – take steps towards change today.
WHY DO PEOPLE GAMBLE?
There are many reasons why people gamble. Whether it's sports betting or playing the pokies, gambling has become normalised in Australian culture.
Gambling is a fun activity for many. People may gamble for excitement, to meet people, or to try winning money.
Other reasons people gamble:
-
To relieve boredom
-
To cope with trauma
-
To create excitement
-
To try to feel better about themselves
-
To win back losses and/or solve financial problems
-
To avoid sadness, worry, or other difficult emotions
-
To avoid struggles including loneliness or relationship problems
Or, gambling may simply have become a habit, and the reason they started gambling has been forgotten
Some people may be at greater risk of gambling harm. This includes people who:
-
Are struggling with mental health
-
Use excessive drugs and/or alcohol
-
Have had one or more big wins early on
-
Have a history of risk-taking behaviours
-
Have experienced gambling harm before
-
Can easily access their favourite type of gambling
-
Believe that they can make money from gambling
-
Have a parent or partner who has experienced gambling harm
-
Have suffered a recent loss (separation, job loss, death of a loved one).
Do any of these things apply to you or someone you know? To find out more, click on the links below:
Contact us
If gambling is impacting your life or a loved one's life, it's okay to reach out for help. It’s free and confidential.
Call the 24/7 Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858
Face-to-face counselling locations
