Signs of a Problem

Problem gambling is characterised by difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling, which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, their family or friends and for the community(1).

Indicators that gambling has changed from being a social activity to a problem can include:

• Struggling to control gambling impulses despite negative consequences in other areas of life
• Spending more money on gambling than is planned
• Spending more time gambling than is planned.

The latest research suggests that about one per cent of the population has a gambling problem (2). In some groups, such as young men and people who have grown up with parents who had a problem with gambling, it is even more common for gambling to be a problem.

By the time gambling has become a problem it has often impacted on several areas of a person's life. Signs of a problem can include:

• Increasing levels of debt
• Struggling to pay bills on time
• Lying to friends and family
• Feeling more moody, irritable or angry
• Missing work or having trouble concentrating at work
• Prioritising spending time and money on gambling rather than spending time with friends
• Thinking that continued gambling will fix financial problems
• Feeling like the gambling has taken over

If you feel that gambling is creating issues, you could:

• Talk to someone you are close to. It's often helpful to speak to someone who knows you well, as they might have a different perspective on the issue
• Get a sense of how much time and money you are spending on gambling by using the gambling calculator
• Complete the self assessment to determine the risk your gambling poses
• Find out more about how problems develop
• Think about how you can regain control

Enlist some professional support. Talking to a counsellor may help you to explore your options and work out what you want to do. There are a range of services and different types of help available and it is important to find out what will work best for you. You can talk to a counsellor online or phone 1800 858 858 for immediate telephone support.