Gambling is entertainment, not a reliable way to make money. Every game of chance carries risk, and for some people that risk can develop into a problem that affects finances, relationships, and wellbeing. The information below outlines practical steps anyone can take to keep gambling in check.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling does not always look the same for every person, but common warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by placing further bets to try to recover money already lost
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments because of gambling
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when trying to cut back
- Concealing the extent of gambling from people close to you
Recognising these signs in yourself—or in someone you care about—is an important first step toward getting help.
Practical Ways to Stay in Control
Setting clear boundaries before you start gambling makes it easier to stick to them. Decide in advance how much money and time you are prepared to spend, and treat those limits as fixed rather than flexible. Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol, as your judgement is more likely to be impaired at those times.
Taking regular breaks helps you maintain perspective. Stepping away from the screen—even briefly—lets you assess whether you are still gambling for enjoyment or whether the activity has started to feel compulsive. Keeping gambling separate from your bill payments and savings is also a straightforward safeguard: only use money set aside specifically for entertainment.
Free Support Resources
If you are in Australia and concerned about your gambling or someone else's, free, confidential help is available around the clock:
- Gambling Help Hotline — 1800 858 858 — free call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
These services support both people who gamble and those affected by someone else's gambling. Counsellors can assist with immediate concerns as well as longer-term strategies for regaining control.
Keeping Gambling in Perspective
Responsible gambling means treating the activity as one form of leisure among many, not as a primary source of income or a way to escape difficulties. If gambling stops being fun, that is a clear signal to pause and reflect. Reaching out for support early—before problems become severe—leads to better outcomes for most people.