Learn about gambling
09
March
2021
Recognising the signs of gambling harm
Gambling harm can affect more than just your finances. You might notice changes in your mood, behaviour, relationships, or how you’re performing at work or study. These changes can be subtle at first, but over time, gambling can impact many areas of your life, often without you realising it.
Changes in how you manage money
- Seeing gambling as a way to make money
- Trying to win back losses by gambling more
- Borrowing money or loans to gamble
- Selling things to pay for gambling
- Betting more than you can afford
Changes in your relationships
- Pulling away from family and friends
- Arguing about money or gambling
- Spending less time with the people you care about
- Others worrying about your gambling
Changes in work and study
- Falling behind on work or school tasks
- Coming to work tired or distracted
- Constantly checking your phone for gambling updates
- Asking for pay early
- Taking time off because of gambling
Changes in how you think and feel
- Gambling longer than you planned
- Talking about gambling a lot
- Getting angry or upset after losing
- Feeling stressed, guilty, or low after gambling
- Strong urges to gamble or finding it hard to stop
- Skipping meals, neglecting sleep or health
- Gambling taking over your free time and hobbies
How do you know if gambling is harming you?
-
It’s not always easy to recognise the signs of gambling harm, but a few quick questions can help. Have you experienced any of these in the past year as a result of gambling?
- Spending more than you can afford, cutting back on essentials, or taking on debt to gamble?
- Selling belongings, asking others for money, or trying to win back losses?
- Hiding your gambling or feeling regret, shame, or failure afterward?
- Feeling anxious, restless, or needing to gamble more for the same thrill?
- Gambling to escape stress or negative emotions?
- Struggling with relationships, work, or study because of gambling?
- Thinking about gambling constantly or finding it hard to stop?
These are just some of the ways gambling can impact your life. Even if things seem manageable now, these signs suggest it may be time to check in and take steps to protect your wellbeing. Support is available, and there are practical ways to help you.
