Have I Got A Gambling Problem

It’s sometimes hard to know if your gambling is getting out of hand. A common reaction is to minimise it or deny that it’s causing harm. Some people may hide their gambling or start to lie about how much time and money they are spending on it.

Gambling activities with high event frequencies tend to have higher associations with problem gambling, and are more likely to be associated with genuine gambling addictions. That doesn’t mean they. You might have a gambling problem if: You feel compelled to keep gambling until you’ve spent your last dollar. You may keep bidding until you’ve spent everything to win your money back, or you continue increasing bet amounts. You hide your gambling from friends or family members.

You might say to yourself, “I enjoy this, it’s just my way of relaxing...”, “I’ll stop when I have the next big win...”, “It makes me forget my worries...” or “I can stop whenever I want”. These are all forms of denial.

Perhaps you are:

Have I Got A Gambling Problem Solving

• kept awake at night thinking about gambling
• feeling you’re out of control
• building up debts you can’t pay
• betting more than you can afford
• feeling you can’t talk to anyone about your gambling
• hiding evidence of your gambling activity.

If you’re worried about your gambling, you’re not alone. People from all walks of life – from sports stars to people you pass every day on the street – sometimes struggle with the time and money they spend gambling.

Have I Got A Gambling Problem Without

Check your gambling

1. In the last 12 months, have you experienced any of the following as a result of your gambling? Check all that apply.

   • Had a reduction of your available spending money
   • Had a reduction of your savings
   • Spent less money on recreational expenses such as eating out, going to movies or other entertainment
   • Had regrets that made you feel sorry about your gambling
   • Felt ashamed of your gambling
   • Sold your personal items
   • Increased your credit card debt
   • Spent less time with people you care about
   • Felt distressed about your gambling
   • Felt like a failure
   • None of the above

You currently experience no harm from gambling.

Have a look at these practical tips to keep your gambling in check.

You experience few, if any issues with your gambling at the moment.

However, be aware of your gambling so it does not harm you in the future.

Have a look at these practical tips to keep your gambling in check.

You could be starting to experience some harm from your gambling.

Now is the time to take some practical steps to ensure your gambling remains under control.

There are many ways to get confidential help; find the support that’s right for you.

You are experiencing issues with your gambling on a regular basis. It’s time to take action.

Take some practical steps to help yourself and find out about what support is available.

For immediate help call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.