Problem gambling is defined as a gambling habit that is disruptive or damaging to you or people around you, such as your family and friends.
On this page you will find information about the effects of problem gambling, potential warning signs and symptoms, and self-help tips.
When your gambling goes from a fun and harmless habit to an unhealthy obsession, it can have serious consequences. Problem gambling can interfere with your life and can even harm your health and relationships.
Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money, it can also affect your self-esteem, physical and mental health, work performance and social life.
If you have a problem with gambling and you would like to stop, help is available. Use our questionnaire to identify if you may have a problem with gambling.
Problem gambling itself does not have physical symptoms and the negative effects can appear in many areas of life. These include:
Even if you have not experienced any of these issues, if you feel your gambling is becoming a problem it is possible these negative effects will happen in the future. It is important to be mindful of the impact gambling could have on you or your family.
The first step to overcoming problem gambling is realising and acknowledging that you have a problem. It takes great strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money or broken relationships along the way.
To help you identify if you are a problem gambler, try the below questionnaire:
If your total score is 8 or higher, you may be a problem gambler.
Visit this page to find the help that is right for you.
Do:
Don’t:
Once I started to open up to people, I was amazed with the amount of support I had. Previously, I was worried to tell people about my gambling issues because of their reactions.
I’m a lot happier and self excluding was the best thing I ever did. It has been four years of not gambling and I now call myself a proper business owner.
The self exclusion team had my back and they made me feel worthy again. MOSES helped keep me on track with my life and in control of my gambling.
You are not alone and help is available. Many people think their story is unique, but there are lots of people fighting similar battles. Open up to someone is the first step towards better control.
You don’t need to keep it a secret to yourself. I was shocked to find out about my partner’s gambling. Without the help of others, she could never have rebounded so quickly.
Gambling was meant to be a shortcut to retirement, but in reality, it was a roadblock for me. I woke up to the truth, seeked help and I quit.
All across the country, people are pausing, taking time to think and using some of the many safer gambling tools to make their experience better. Take time to join them.
The vast majority of people who gamble do so safely and responsibly. For those with concerns around the time and money they spend gambling, we can help you make a commitment to stay away from services and premises.
