What are the signs of problem gambling?

Some of the signs of problem gambling are: Feeling out of control Losing more money than you can afford to Being dishonest about how much time and/or money you spend gambling Interfering with personal and work relationships. If you feel you or a loved one has a problem, then seek help as soon as possible.

Where can I get help for a gambling problem?

Australia has a number of resources available for people with a gambling problem. Some of the biggest organisations are GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, and the Gambling Help Online.

Responsible Gambling

Q: What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling is a concept which sees people gambling ins a manner which minimises the brisk of harm to themselves and others. In short, players gamble in a controlled environment, with budget limits and an awareness of how their gambling is affecting their behaviour.

We firmly believe gambling should be an exciting and amusing pastime. However, if not controlled, it could result in serious financial and personal issues. Thus, it's essential to recognize indicators of problematic gambling, including addiction. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with these signs and find free support services available specifically for Australians.

Set Deposit Limits

Placing limits on your deposits will help control how much money you are allowed to deposit on a monthly basis.

Track Your Play

Maintain a record of your gambling activities to understand how much you have either won or lost.

Never Chase Losses

Refrain from chasing losses and stop playing when you have exhausted your budget.

Stick to a Bankroll Budget

Be firm in your decision about how much money you are willing to gamble each month.

Set Loss Limits

By setting loss limits, you can control how much money you are prepared to lose every session.

Choose a Reputable Casino

Seek out casinos with self-exclusion policies and those that are officially registered.

Self-exclusion

Make use of self-exclusion opportunities, allowing yourself necessary breaks from gambling activities.

Get Help Early

If there are concerns about gambling addiction, don't hesitate to seek assistance right away.

Awareness of Problem Gambling

Recognizing gambling addiction in yourself or others is crucial. Early detection helps prevent detrimental effects on you and the people close to you.

Some of the signs are:

Focusing excessively on gambling, causing a missed opportunity to engage in other aspects of life
Habitually strategizing where and how to place bets
Needing to wager more significant amounts to experience the same excitement
Experiencing irritation when unable to gamble
Using gambling as a means to escape feelings of guilt, anxiety, or depression
Chasing losses when gambling
Requesting money from friends or family to continue gambling
Concealing the frequency and extent of gambling activities

Casual gamblers can effortlessly stop whenever they desire and indulge in low-stakes gaming. Conversely, those developing a gambling problem will struggle to stop. Nonetheless, even individuals struggling with gambling issues can have recovery phases, pausing their gambling tendencies temporarily before they relapse. Always remain aware of the warning signs associated with gambling problems.

Risks of Problem Gambling

Problematic gambling carries a host of substantial risks:

Risk to Relationships

Excessive gambling often damages personal relationships. Those with gambling issues might lie about their gambling habits and skip social events to continue gambling. They might also repeatedly request financial help from others, damaging the relationship further.

Financial Problems

It's evident that gambling more than what you can afford can lead to severe financial and potential legal consequences, including the risk of property repossession and bankruptcy.

Risk to Wellbeing

Individuals dealing with gambling problems (and the subsequent social and financial fallout) can often suffer from worsened mental health, which differs among individuals, but may manifest as depressive episodes or suicidal thoughts.

Where to Get Help

If you suspect a gambling problem in yourself or a loved one, Australians have access to free resources that provide timely help.

For initial guidance, check out the websites geared towards AU players:

gamblinghelponline.org.au
gamblershelp.com.au
lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/problem-gambling/
National Debt Helpline

If immediate support is required, please contact the numbers below:

Lifeline Australia: 13-11-14
GambleAware: 1800-858-858
Free Financial Counselling: 1800-007-007

Responsible Gambling FAQs

What are the indicators of gambling problems?

Beware of the signs of gambling problems, such as:

Feeling out of control
Expending more money than you can manage
Being secretive about your gambling frequency or the amount spent
Letting gambling interfere with personal and professional relationships.

If you realize there might be an issue with gambling, seek professional help at the earliest opportunity.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling means engaging in betting activities that minimize any associated risks, ensuring that players operate within controlled settings, observing budget limits, and staying conscious of how gambling influences their actions.

Where can one find assistance for gambling issues?

Australia offers numerous resources for anyone grappling with gambling challenges. Significant organizations include GambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, and the Gambling Help Online platform.

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