Recognising Problem Gambling
Gambling should be entertainment, not a problem. Understanding the warning signs of problem gambling can help you or someone you care about get help before things get worse.
It Can Happen to Anyone
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Recognising the signs early is key to getting help.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling behavior that disrupts your life. It's when gambling stops being fun and starts causing problems with your finances, relationships, work, or mental health.
Recreational vs Problem Gambling
| Aspect | Recreational Gambling | Problem Gambling |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Can stop anytime | Difficulty stopping or controlling |
| Budget | Stays within budget | Exceeds budget regularly |
| Time | Occasional activity | Frequent or constant gambling |
| Impact | No negative effects | Affects life, work, relationships |
| Emotions | Fun and entertaining | Stress, anxiety, guilt |
| Priority | One of many activities | Takes priority over responsibilities |
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Financial Warning Signs
- Spending more than you can afford - Betting money needed for bills or essentials
- Borrowing money to gamble - Taking loans or asking family for money
- Selling possessions - Selling items to fund gambling
- Unpaid bills - Neglecting financial obligations
- Secretive about spending - Hiding gambling expenses from family
- Chasing losses - Gambling more to try to win back losses
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Preoccupation with gambling - Constantly thinking about gambling
- Increasing bets - Needing to bet more for the same excitement
- Failed attempts to stop - Trying to quit but unable to
- Lying about gambling - Hiding the extent of gambling from others
- Neglecting responsibilities - Missing work, school, or family commitments
- Gambling to escape problems - Using gambling to avoid stress or emotions
Emotional Warning Signs
- Mood swings - Irritability, restlessness, or anxiety
- Depression - Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Guilt and shame - Feeling bad about gambling behavior
- Anxiety - Worry about gambling or its consequences
- Suicidal thoughts - Thoughts of self-harm due to gambling problems
Relationship Warning Signs
- Arguments about money - Frequent fights with family about finances
- Isolation - Withdrawing from family and friends
- Broken trust - Lying or deceiving loved ones
- Neglecting relationships - Choosing gambling over time with loved ones
- Family stress - Gambling causing family tension or breakdown
The Problem Gambling Severity Index
Answer these questions honestly to assess your gambling:
- Have you bet more than you could afford to lose? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have people criticized your betting or told you that you have a gambling problem? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Has your gambling caused financial problems for you or your household? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
- Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble? - Never / Sometimes / Most of the time / Almost always
If You Answered 'Sometimes' or More
If you answered "Sometimes," "Most of the time," or "Almost always" to several of these questions, you may have a gambling problem and should seek help.
Stages of Problem Gambling
Stage 1: Winning Phase
- Early wins create excitement and confidence
- Gambling feels fun and rewarding
- Begins to gamble more frequently
Stage 2: Losing Phase
- Losses start to mount
- Chasing losses becomes common
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Lying about gambling
Stage 3: Desperation Phase
- Severe financial problems
- Relationship breakdowns
- Legal troubles
- Mental health crisis
- Thoughts of suicide
Don't Wait for Stage 3
The earlier you recognise problem gambling and seek help, the easier recovery will be. Don't wait until you hit rock bottom.
Why People Develop Gambling Problems
Risk Factors
- Mental health issues - Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
- Substance abuse - Alcohol or drug problems
- Personality traits - Impulsivity, competitiveness, or risk-taking tendencies
- Family history - Gambling problems in the family
- Easy access - Convenient access to gambling
- Social pressure - Friends or family who gamble
- Financial stress - Seeing gambling as a solution to money problems
- Trauma or loss - Using gambling to cope with difficult experiences
What to Do If You Recognise the Signs
Immediate Steps
- Acknowledge the problem - Be honest with yourself about your gambling
- Stop gambling immediately - Use Take a Break or Self-Exclusion tools
- Tell someone you trust - Share your concerns with family or friends
- Seek professional help - Contact gambling support services
- Set up account protections - Activate deposit limits and self-exclusion
Getting Help
Help is Available
Free, confidential support is available 24/7. You don't have to face this alone.
| Service | Contact | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au | 24/7 counseling, online chat, email support |
| Gamblers Anonymous | gamblersanonymous.org.au | Peer support groups, 12-step program |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support, suicide prevention |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Mental health support, depression, anxiety |
| Financial Counseling | 1800 007 007 | Free financial advice and debt help |
Helping Someone with a Gambling Problem
Signs Someone You Know May Have a Problem
- Financial difficulties - Unexplained money problems or requests for loans
- Mood changes - Irritability, depression, or anxiety
- Secretive behavior - Being evasive about whereabouts or spending
- Neglecting responsibilities - Missing work or family commitments
- Relationship problems - Increased arguments or tension
How to Help
- Choose the right time - Talk when they're calm and sober
- Express concern, not judgment - Use 'I' statements: 'I'm worried about you'
- Be specific - Point out specific behaviors you've noticed
- Listen without judging - Let them share their feelings
- Offer support - Help them find professional support
- Set boundaries - Don't enable by lending money or covering for them
- Take care of yourself - Seek support for yourself too
Don't Enable
Avoid lending money, paying their debts, or making excuses for them. This enables the gambling to continue.
Myths About Problem Gambling
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Problem gamblers gamble every day | Frequency doesn't define the problem - impact does |
| It's just a financial problem | It affects mental health, relationships, and all life areas |
| They just need willpower | It's an addiction that requires professional help |
| They're irresponsible people | It can happen to anyone, regardless of character |
| You have to hit rock bottom first | Early intervention leads to better outcomes |
| They can solve it by winning big | Chasing losses makes the problem worse |
Recovery is Possible
There is Hope
Thousands of Australians recover from gambling problems every year. With the right support, you can too.
Steps to Recovery
- Admit the problem - Acknowledge you need help
- Seek professional support - Work with counselors and support groups
- Exclude yourself - Use self-exclusion tools
- Address underlying issues - Tackle mental health or other problems
- Rebuild finances - Work with financial counselors
- Repair relationships - Rebuild trust with loved ones
- Find new activities - Develop healthy hobbies and interests
- Stay committed - Recovery is a journey, not a destination
Tools We Offer
- Deposit Limits - Control how much you can deposit
- Take a Break - Temporary account suspension (1 day to 6 months)
- Self-Exclusion - Long-term account closure (6 months to permanent)
- Activity Statement - Review your gambling history
- Reality Checks - Time and spending reminders