Do you need support getting control over your finances?
Most people who gamble find that they are more likely to gamble if they have money available. To manage your gambling, it can be helpful to limit your access to money for a short period. This is especially important when you first decide to change your gambling. Limiting your access to money can create a barrier that can stop you from gambling. It can give you some space to learn how to control your gambling in the long term. If you don’t have access to money, you won’t be able to gamble. This can be a simple but effective strategy to help you get control over your gambling.
If you’re having trouble controlling your gambling, you may also be facing financial difficulties. There is hope for you to regain your financial stability. The earlier you start managing your money, the faster you can reduce the financial impact of gambling.
Does your friend or family member need support getting control over their finances?
Most people who gamble find that they are more likely to gamble if they have money available. Encouraging your family member or friend to limit their access to money, even for a short period, can be a helpful strategy in managing their gambling. This is especially important when they are first starting to make changes to their gambling. Limiting their access to money can create a barrier that can stop them from gambling. This can give them some space to learn how to control their gambling in the long term. If they don’t have access to money, they won’t be able to gamble. This can be a simple but effective strategy to help them gain control over their gambling.
If your family member or friend is having trouble controlling their gambling, they may also be facing financial difficulties. There is hope for them to regain their financial stability. Encouraging them to start managing their money as soon as possible can help to reduce the financial impact of their gambling. The earlier they start taking steps to manage their money, the faster they can begin to improve their financial situation.
As a family member or friend, you can play an important role in helping manage their money more successfully. By offering your emotional and practical support, you can help the person you’re concerned about regain control of their finances and their life.
Partners and other family members of people who gamble can also face financial stress. See our section on Protecting Assets.
Does someone need support getting control over their finances?
If you’re working with someone who has an issue with their gambling, it’s important to understand that access to money can be a significant trigger for gambling behaviour. Encouraging them to limit their access to money for a short time can be a helpful strategy in managing their gambling.
This is especially important when they are first starting to make changes to their gambling. Limiting their access to money can create a barrier that can stop them from gambling. This can give them some space to learn how to control their gambling in the long term. If they don’t have access to money, they won’t be able to gamble. This can be a simple but effective strategy to help them gain control over their gambling.
If the person you’re working with is struggling with their gambling, they may also be facing financial difficulties. As a professional, you may be a good position to help them regain control over their gambling and finances. You could encourage them to consider strategies to manage their money as soon as possible to reduce the financial impact of their gambling. By working together, you can help them develop effective money management strategies and achieve long-term financial stability.
What are some ways people can take control of their finances?
Here are some simple money management strategies that have helped people reduce their access to money and take control of their finances:
- Carry only enough cash to cover their daily expenses
- Leave their credit and debit cards at home
- Ask someone they trust to manage their money, including holding their credit and debit cards
- Arrange for two people to be signatories on their bank accounts
- Close any credit card accounts that they can do without
- Reduce the credit limit on credit cards as they are paid off
- Lower the daily withdrawal limit on their credit and debit cards
- Avoid keeping large sums of cash in the house
- Ask family members and friends not to lend them money
- Warn family members and friends of any expected money coming in
- Take a trusted friend or spouse with them to pay bills
- Use gift cards to purchase items
- Unlink bank accounts online and from telephone banking
- Cancel cash withdrawals on their credit card
- Organise wages to be paid into a separate account from which funds need to be transferred before they access them
- Organise online banking to have dual logins and passwords
- Arrange regular direct debits for as many bills as possible
- Use Centrepay if they are on a benefit – this is a free and voluntary service to pay bills and expenses as regular deductions from their Centrelink payments
- Plan activities on payday in advance
- Pay as many bills as they can on payday
- Ask someone they trust to pay bills for them before they access their pay
- Track spending
- Cancel overdrafts on bank accounts
“Having someone manage ALL my money has been my saving grace. There have been lots of times I've wanted to gamble but with super strict access to money it was not an option.” - Anonymous
Developing a budget is also a great way for people to get control over their finances. See our self-help information on Creating a Budget.
“It’s the first time in ages I wasn’t focused on my pay hitting the bank account. Instead of gambling it all, I can sleep at night knowing my bills are being paid… I have stopped lying to my partner, it’s been good for our relationship.” - Anonymous
Should people hand over control of their finances to someone else?
People often ask if they should hand control of their finances over to someone else. This can be helpful for a short time when they first start trying to change their gambling, but only if they feel safe doing so. This should only be a temporary solution while they learn other ways to manage their gambling.
It’s important to learn how to manage money and have financial stability in the long term. If a person has handed over control of their finances to someone else, it’s a good idea for them to stay involved in their financial decision-making. It is also recommend that they gradually take back control of their finances.
What can banks do to help?
Many banks support customers who want to manage their gambling. Banks may be able to help by:
- blocking gambling transactions on accounts or cards
- banning or limiting the use of credit cards for gambling altogether
- providing spending trackers on banking apps
- setting up passbook accounts that can only be accessed at a bank
While blocks are usually immediate, some are not permanent and may be lifted depending on the bank’s policy and processes. Some blocks can be applied directly via the bank’s app, while others require people to contact the bank to request the block.
When banks don’t have this type of assistance, people may consider other strategies to limit access to money or possibly opening an account with a different bank that offers the services they need. People who are uncomfortable contacting the bank themselves can ask a financial counsellor to help – start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential advice.
When people have financial difficulties, banks may even be able to:
- help them put a plan in place for managing financial problems or payments
- defer, reduce or possibly pause loan repayments for a period of time
- restructure and consolidate loans
- change limits on lines of credit, including credit cards
- waive specific fees, charges or penalties
What other safeguards against gambling can people put in place?
Another great safeguard is to limit access to gambling venues and online sites. This is also a simple but effective barrier to restricting someone’s gambling.
- For information on banning oneself from gambling venues like clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos, see Venue Self-Exclusion.
- For details on banning oneself from online gambling providers or blocking access to gambling sites, see Online Self-Exclusion and Online Protection for Gambling.
How can financial counselling help?
Financial counselling can be a huge help. Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can provide free, confidential help for people who want help taking control of their finances. They can help by assessing their financial situation, determine the best strategies to put into place, and develop a plan for the future. Go to How Financial Counselling Can Help for more information.
The National Debt Helpline is another option that can assist people in resolving their financial challenges. They can provide advice, information, and referral to financial counsellors. Call 1800 007 007 between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.
Do you want more help?
For help with how you can take control of your finances, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends.
Do you want more help?
For help with how they can take control of their finances, you or your family member or friend can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends like you. It’s not only the person who gambles that can be affected, but the people close to them too. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re supporting someone else. Check out the family and friends section in our peer support community to connect with people who understand.
Do you want more help?
For help with how they can take control of their finances, you or the person you’re working with can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members, friends, and professionals like you. It can be hard for professionals to support people with gambling issues. To learn more about how you can help, go to our section on How Professionals Can Help.
