Problem Gambling

What is Problem Gambling?

Not everyone who gambles has a problem!  However... 
According to the Australian Productivity Commission's Inquiry into Australia's Gambling Industries (1999):

• 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.

Protecting consumers and minimise the harm of Problem Gambling

Relationships Australia is committed to ensuring information is available to consumers to make informed decisions about their gambling and support any government initiatives that protect gambling consumers and create a safer gambling environment.

Relationships Australia aims to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling by:

• providing counselling (including financial counselling) and information to help people with problem gambling
• providing community education resources and training
• making self-help kits and information available
• working with the governments, the gambling industry, private sector organisations, community agencies/groups, and researchers to develop consumer protection, responsible gambling policies and regulation.

Gambling becomes a problem if someone spends more time or money than they can afford to, or if 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 this 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?

1. Be honest with yourself about how much you are losing (keep a record).
2. Only gamble if you can afford to lose the money.
3. Do not have your EFTPOS or credit card with you if you gamble.
4. Break the negative powers of the secrecy by telling a close friend or loved one about your experiences with and feelings about gambling, or alternatively, call a telephone counsellor in your area.
5. Manage your stress by eating regularly; cutting back on stimulants such as caffeine and/or nicotine.
6. Do not drink alcohol while gambling.
7. Have a friend go with you when you are shopping.
8. Arrange a bill paying service with a bank or credit union.

Assistance is available

If gambling is affecting your health and you are feeling anxious or depressed, or if gambling is negatively impacting on your relationships, help and support is available.

Relationships Australia has two specialist programs called Break Even and Gambler's Help devoted to problem gambling.  They provide:

• face-to-face counselling services for people with a gambling problem and/or partners and relatives impacted by problem gambling behaviour
• assistance in overcoming a gambling problem, like exploring the extent and nature of the gambling behaviour and the factors which trigger the behaviour or encourage its continuation
• controlling gambling behaviour through strategies that minimise the harm resulting from gambling and strategies to avoid relapse into uncontrolled gambling behaviour
• financial counselling, to address debts, cope with creditors, and reorganise financial affairs generally
• counselling to address the underlying issues linked to gambling and the impact of gambling on relationships and family life and steps to relieve that impact.
  

Break even and Gambler's Help Counselling Services are available in:

Queensland | South Australia | Tasmania

If you live in one of the other states or territories, contact the Relationships Australia office nearest you to speak to a counsellor or to book a counselling appointment.

Canberra and Region | New South Wales | Northern Territory | Western Australia

Telephone Counselling and Online Gambling Support

Visit Gamblers Help Online or ring the Gambling Help Line for a free 24 hour anonymous counselling referral service

• Australian Capital Territory: (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

Useful Websites

Problem Gambling Links