Addressing problem gambling

What is problem gambling

Most adults in Australia gamble at least sometimes, whether that is a bet on the footy, the races, the pokies, lotto or online. For many people it stays an occasional bit of fun. For others, it slowly becomes something harder to manage. 

Problem gambling is any gambling that starts to harm your life, your relationships or your finances, or feels out of your control. It does not have to mean you have hit rock bottom. If gambling is starting to feel overwhelming, it is not a sign of weakness, and with the right support things can change. 

Signs that gambling may be a problem

Everyone’s experience is different. You might notice some of these signs: 

• Gambling more often, or spending more, than you planned to. 
• Chasing losses, betting more to try to win back money you have lost. 
• Finding it hard to stop or feeling on edge when you are not gambling. 
• Letting work, family time, or other commitments slide. 
• Feeling guilt, shame, or regret afterwards. 
• Tension or arguments at home about your gambling. 
• Keeping your gambling a secret or downplaying how much you spend. 
• Borrowing money, or selling things, to fund gambling. 
• Worrying about debt, paying bills, or making ends meet. 
• Changes in your sleep, mood, or general wellbeing.

If you recognise yourself in some of these points, it is not your fault. Gambling products are built to keep people coming back, and the cycle of wins and losses can change the way your brain responds over time. That is part of why stopping can be so hard, even when you fully intend to. 

How problem gambling can affect your life 

When gambling becomes a problem, the effects can spread into many parts of your life. You might experience: 

• Money stress, from falling behind on bills to serious debt. 
• Strain on your relationships, including arguments and a loss of trust. 
• Trouble focusing at work. 
• Low mood, anxiety, or feeling hopeless. 
• Less time and energy for your family. 
• A sense of being out of control, even when you want to stop. 

These effects can feel heavy, but you do not have to carry them on your own. If gambling has you feeling distressed or overwhelmed, please reach out. You can call MensLine Australia any time on 1300 78 99 78, or Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Why gambling can become a problem

There is rarely a single reason for problem gambling. It usually builds over time, shaped by your circumstances, emotions, and habits. Some common reasons include: 

• Early wins. A win early on can make gambling feel like easy money, even when those wins do not last. 
• Financial pressure. When money is tight, gambling can seem like a quick way out, but it often makes things worse. 
• Coping with hard feelings. Stress, anxiety, loneliness or boredom can be heavy, and gambling can offer a short escape. 
• The people and ads around you. Being around others who gamble, or seeing constant gambling ads, can make it feel normal. 
• Chasing losses. Trying to win back what you have lost tends to lead to bigger losses, and a cycle that is hard to break. 

Addiction is not about willpower or being a bad person. Gambling can affect the brain in ways that make it hard to stop. Understanding what is driving your gambling is a strong first step towards change.

Getting help for problem gambling 

Things you can do right now  

• Delay the urge. Urges tend to come in waves and pass. Tell yourself you will wait 15 minutes before acting, and use that time to call someone, go for a walk, or do something else. 
• Limit your access. You can block access to phone and online gambling providers through BetStop, the free national self-exclusion register. 
• Reach out. An honest conversation with someone you trust can lighten the load. Just saying “I’m struggling” to someone is enough to start a conversation about what you’re going through. 

Talk to a counsellor

Call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, which is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also speak to a counsellor at MensLine Australia.  

You can also talk to your GP who can recommend services or refer you to further support.

Get help with money worries 

Gambling and financial stress often go together. A financial counsellor can help you deal with debt and make a plan, without judgement.  

• The National Debt Helpline offers free financial counselling.  
• Mob Strong Debt Help (1800 808 488) offers free financial counselling and legal advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Connect with others

Talking with people who have had similar experiences can help you feel less alone. Gambling Help Online has an online community forum, to help you connect with peers and share your story.

Helplines

For support, you can call these free helplines: 

• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 
• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 
• National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 (weekdays 9:30am – 4:30pm) 
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 
• 13YARN: 13 92 76

If gambling is weighing on you, you do not have to face it alone. MensLine Australia is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us on 1300 78 99 78 or click the button on the right for online counselling.

If it is an emergency, call 000.