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Problem Gambling
Relationships Australia provides a range of counselling services and support to problem gamblers and their familes.
What is Problem Gambling?
Not everyone who gambles has a problem! However...
The Australian Productivity Commission's 1999 Inquiry into Australia's Gambling Industries stated that:
- 2.1% of the Australian adult population, or around 293,000 people have a significant gambling problem.
- On average around seven other people are affected by a severe problem gambler's behaviour. That's around 2 million Australians.
Problem Gambling is clearly a major public health issue in Australia.
Minimising the Harm of Problem Gambling
Relationships Australia aims to minimise the harm caused by gambling by:
- providing counselling (including financial counselling) and information to help people with problem gambling
- providing community education resources and training
- self-help kits and information available
- working with the governments, the gambling industry, private sector organisations, community agencies and groups, and researchers to develop responsible gambling policies and regulation.
Gambling becomes a problem if someone spends more time or money than they can afford or it is having a negative impact on their relationships.
Is Gambling affecting your Health?
Most people enjoy gambling but sometimes it can affect our health. Take the QUIZ to check if gambling could be affecting your health.
Controlling your urge to gamble
If you want to control your urge to gamble, what can you do?
- Be honest with yourself about how much you are losing (keep a record).
- Only gamble if you can afford to lose the money.
- Do not have your EFTPOS or credit card with you if you gamble.
- Break the power of the secret about your gambling and tell someone who cares about you - or telephone a counsellor.
- Manage your stress: eat regularly; cut down on caffeine.
- Do not drink alcohol while gambling.
- Have a friend go with you when you are shopping.
- Arrange a bill paying service with a bank or credit union.
Assistance Available
If gambling is affecting your health and you feel anxious or depressed, and/or your relationships are suffering, help is available.
Telephone Counselling
You can ring the Gambling Help Line for a free 24 hour anonymous counselling referral service
- ACT: (02) 6247 0655
- New South Wales: 1800 633 635; TTY 1800 633 649
- Northern Territory: 1800 629 683
- Queensland: 1800 222 050
- South Australia: 1800 060 757
- Tasmania: 1800 000 973; TTY 1800 000 974
- Victoria: 1800 156 789
- Western Australia: 1800 622 112
Face-to-Face Counselling
Consider ringing a Gambling Help Counselling Service. A counsellor can help you with strategies to manage the gambling urge and help you make changes in your life. Confidential, and free gambling counselling services staffed by professionally qualified and experienced staff are available in:
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
