1800 858 858
1800 858 858

Signs of problem gambling

SOME OF THE SIGNS THAT SHOW THAT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH GAMBLING INCLUDE:

  • Arguing with family and friends after gambling

  • Borrowing money or selling assets to gamble

  • Considering obtaining money to gamble through illegal means

  • Feeling guilty or remorseful about gambling

  • Gambling to escape problems or feelings

  • Hiding the extent of gambling

  • Losing and having an urge to return as soon as possible to win back losses

  • Missing work to gamble

  • Spending more time or money gambling than planned.

Other clues to look out for

01

BEHAVIOUR CLUES

  • Decreased involvement in leisure activities

  • Relying on others to pay for them in social situations

  • Using drugs or alcohol more often/more excessively

  • Constantly checking their phone

02

MONEY CLUES

  • Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar

  • Household items and valuables missing

  • Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage

  • Borrowing money on a regular basis

  • Having many loans at the one time

  • Being secretive about financial records or payslips

  • Unpaid bills/disconnection notices

  • Lack of food in the house

03

RELATIONSHIP & EMOTIONAL CLUES

  • Seeming worried, distant or preoccupied

  • Seeming not interested in family and friends

  • Changes in sleeping, eating, or relationship patterns

  • Using threats or lies to get what they want from others

  • Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed or suicidal

04

SIGN AT HOME

  • Becoming withdrawn from others/family events

  • Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason

  • Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal

  • Changes in personality – sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns

  • Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour

  • Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others

05

TIME CLUES

  • Spending more and more time gambling

  • Being secretive about unexplained absences

  • Often being late for commitments

  • Taking a lot of sick days or days off

  • Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking two hours to get the paper from the shops)

Are any of these signs familiar to you? Check your gambling.
Need help? Let us help you.

The Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and available now.
Call 1800 858 858 anytime 24/7.

Counsellors are skilled and experienced in helping with a whole range of issues related to gambling – take steps towards change today!

Why do people gamble?

There are many reasons why people gamble. Whether it is betting on the toss of a coin, blowflies crawling up a wall or cane toads hopping out of a circle - Queenslanders love to gamble!

Gambling is a fun activity for many. People may gamble for excitement, to meet people, or to try to win money.

Read more

Why do people gamble?

There are many reasons why people gamble. Whether it is betting on the toss of a coin, blowflies crawling up a wall or cane toads hopping out of a circle - Queenslanders love to gamble!

Gambling is a fun activity for many. People may gamble for excitement, to meet people, or to try to win money.

Other reasons people gamble:

  • To win back losses and/or solve financial problems

  • To relieve boredom

  • To avoid life problems including loneliness or relationship problems

  • To avoid sadness, worry or other difficult emotions

  • To cope with trauma, physical or emotional pain

  • To try to feel better about themselves

  • To create excitement.

Or, gambling may simply have become a habit, and the reason they started gambling has been forgotten.

Some people may be at greater risk of developing gambling problems. This includes people who: 

  • Have had one or more big wins early on

  • Can easily access their favourite type of gambling

  • Believe that they can make money from gambling and tell themselves that “this machine is due to pay”

  • Have suffered a recent loss (separation, job loss, death of a loved one)

  • Have a history of risk-taking behaviours

  • Overuse drugs and alcohol

  • Have a mental health issue

  • Have had gambling problems before

  • Have a parent or partner with gambling problems.

Do any of these things apply to you or someone you know? To find out more, click on the links below:

Contact us

If gambling has become a problem for you, or someone you care about, get some help. It’s free and confidential.

Call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 anytime 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Click for face-to-face counselling locations

Click for online counselling and real time chat