Gambling

How much is too much?

It is not uncommon for people to gamble for fun. For some it may be once a year on Melbourne Cup Day, and for others it may be on a more regular basis. If you are gambling it is a good idea to keep track of how it affects you and your day to day activities.

Some of the things you may want to think about are:

1. Does gambling cause you to argue with friends or family?

2. Do you avoid telling people how much money you are spending when you gamble?

3. Do you gamble until you run out of money?

4. Are you having to give up other things to find money for gambling?

5. Have you thought about stealing to gamble?

If you have answered yes to some of these questions you may want to look at ways to manage your gambling.

For more information about managing gambling check out the Getting help for gambling fact sheet or the links on the left hand side of the page.

What is compulsive gambling?

Some people find that gambling becomes a serious issue which they are unable to control. This is known as 'compulsive' or 'pathological' gambling.

Compulsive gambling is characterised by a continual need to gamble and is recognised as a mental disorder.

Compulsive gambling behaviour is known to increase during times of stress.

Compulsive gambling behaviour may lead to disrupted family relationships, inattention to work, financial crises and criminal activity in order to obtain money.

Are you affected by someone's gambling problem?

It can be useful to seek help and advice if someone's behaviour, due to a gambling problem, is impacting on your life. You may feel overly anxious or protective of the person with a problem or their behaviour towards you may be threatening or violent.

A counsellor, doctor or youth worker are people who may be able to help you. Check out the Who can help you section for more information about how they can help.

You can find a mentla helath professional through the beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners.

You may also find it helpful to ring one of the helplines listed below, or call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (24/7, free call from landline) or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7, cost of local call from landline).

Gambling + the law?

The laws around the legal age for gambling vary depending on what country you live in. If you live in Australia you may want to check out Lawstuff for information about the laws in your state.

What are the odds?

Gambling is about taking a risk and often the more money that is offered the greater the risk. Most gambling opportunities such as horseracing, casinos and lotto are set up to favour the game or bookmaker rather than the person taking the gamble.

Advertising and promotions may be confusing and make the opportunity sound more achievable than it might be.

Having a win may be exciting and this may be associated with the expectation that if you gamble often enough more wins will follow. This may be the case, but in the longer term it is likely you will lose. If you are gambling, it is a good idea to keep track of how many wins and losses you have had.

More information

You may want to check out the fact sheets on the left hand side of the page for more information about gambling.

Useful numbers

Gambling Help Line 1800 858 858

Gambling Help runs a phone service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by people who really understand how difficult it can be to try to get your gambling under control. They're not there to judge you or tell you that what you're doing is wrong. They're there to listen and, when you're ready, they're there to provide helpful, practical tips and information.

There are more than 40 free face to face counselling services available throughout NSW.

For details of the nearest service to you, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.

G-Line (NSW) - For confidential gambling help. A 24 hour telephone service. Ph. 1800-633-635.

The Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (NSW) that can be contacted on 1800 856 800.

Arab Council Australia - 02 9709 4333
Auburn Asian Welfare Centre (services the Chinese speaking community) - Phone 02 9646 3695
Vietnamese Community in Australia - 02 9727 5599
Greek Welfare Centre - 02 9516 2188

TTY 1800-633-649

Northern Rivers Gambling Service (NSW only) - designed to help those who may have a gambling problem, and those who are affected by someone with a gambling problem 02 6687 2520.

Gamblers Anonymous:

NSW - 02 9564 1574

VIC - 03 9696 6108

QLD - 1800 002 210

SA - 08 8212 6933

WA - 08 9487 0688

TAS - 03 6224 2786