Signs of problem gambling
SOME OF THE SIGNS THAT SHOW THAT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH GAMBLING INCLUDE:
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Arguing with family and friends after gambling
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Borrowing money or selling assets to gamble
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Considering obtaining money to gamble through illegal means
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Feeling guilty or remorseful about gambling
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Gambling to escape problems or feelings
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Hiding the extent of gambling
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Losing and having an urge to return as soon as possible to win back losses
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Missing work to gamble
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Spending more time or money gambling than planned.

Other clues to look out for
01
BEHAVIOUR CLUES
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Decreased involvement in leisure activities
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Relying on others to pay for them in social situations
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Using drugs or alcohol more often/more excessively
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Constantly checking their phone
02
MONEY CLUES
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Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
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Household items and valuables missing
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Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
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Borrowing money on a regular basis
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Having many loans at the one time
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Being secretive about financial records or payslips
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Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
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Lack of food in the house
03
RELATIONSHIP & EMOTIONAL CLUES
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Seeming worried, distant or preoccupied
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Seeming not interested in family and friends
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Changes in sleeping, eating, or relationship patterns
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Using threats or lies to get what they want from others
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Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed or suicidal
04
SIGN AT HOME
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Becoming withdrawn from others/family events
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Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
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Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
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Changes in personality – sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
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Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour
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Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others
05
TIME CLUES
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Spending more and more time gambling
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Being secretive about unexplained absences
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Often being late for commitments
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Taking a lot of sick days or days off
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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!
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