Do I Have a Gambling Problem?

Is gambling impacting your life?

It’s no secret that gambling is popular in Australia. In fact, 70% of Queensland adults engage in gambling of some kind – the highest rate of gambling in the world.

But how do you know when your gambling isn’t safe? What is problem gambling, and what can you do about it?

We look at some gambling problem symptoms and where you can get help here.

What is problem gambling?

Unsafe gambling doesn’t have to mean you’re totally out of control or thousands of dollars in debt. It includes any gambling behaviour that disrupts your life or the life of the people around you.

Maybe you’re gambling rather than spend time with loved ones. Maybe you’re spending more time and money on gambling that you’d like to. Or perhaps you’re hiding how much you’re gambling from your partner.

If gambling is negatively impacting your life or relationships, it’s a problem.

Gambling Problem Symptoms

These are just some habits and behaviours that might indicate gambling has become a problem:

• Chasing losses
• Feeling guilty about gambling
• Gambling to avoid feelings or issues
• Hiding or lying about the extent of gambling
• Arguing with friends or family after gambling
• Spending more time and/or money on gambling than planned
• Preoccupation with thoughts of gambling
• Missing work or social events to gamble
• Borrowing or stealing money to gamble.

Check your gambling here.

How to Get Help

If you’re worried about your gambling habits and want to change them yourself, you can find some great self-help resources here.

Another option is a self-exclusion or self-ban. This is where you request to be banned from specific gambling venues, providers, products or services. You can exclude yourself from multiple gaming venues through your local Gambling Help service without having to go into the venues in person.

If you need some extra support to reduce your gambling or gamble safely, professional and confidential help is available. You can learn about our counselling options here, or call the free gambling helpline on 1800 858 858.