Gambling can be an enjoyable pastime, but it carries real risks. Understanding those risks and knowing how to manage them is the foundation of safer play. The information on this page is general guidance intended to help anyone who gambles, regardless of where or how they do so.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling is not defined by how much money a person spends, but by the effect gambling has on their life. Common warning signs include:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than originally intended
- Chasing losses in an attempt to recover money already spent
- Lying to family members or friends about gambling activity
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships because of gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
- Using gambling as a way to escape stress, depression, or other difficulties
Recognising these signs in yourself or someone close to you is an important first step. Problem gambling tends to worsen over time without intervention, so seeking support early is advisable.
Practical Steps for Staying in Control
Setting clear limits before you start is one of the most effective ways to keep gambling under control. Decide in advance how much money and time you are willing to spend, and treat those limits as fixed rather than flexible.
Other practical measures include:
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not income. The house edge means that losses are the expected outcome over time. Any winnings should be considered a bonus rather than a reliable source of money.
- Avoid gambling when emotional. Stress, sadness, or frustration can lead to impulsive decisions and chasing behaviour.
- Take regular breaks. Stepping away from a session, even briefly, helps maintain perspective.
- Balance gambling with other activities. Relying on gambling as a primary source of entertainment increases risk.
- Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgement leads to poorer decisions.
Support Organisations in Australia
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free, confidential help is available.
Gambling Help Online — gamblinghelponline.org.au — provides 24-hour online chat counselling and resources specifically for people in Australia affected by gambling harm.
Lifeline Australia — 13 11 14 — offers crisis support around the clock and can assist people experiencing gambling-related distress alongside other mental health difficulties.
Gamblers Anonymous Australia — gaaustralia.org.au — runs peer-support meetings based on a twelve-step model for people who want to stop gambling.
Gambling and Minors
Gambling is an adult activity. Anyone under the legal gambling age in their jurisdiction should not participate. If you are a parent or guardian, consider using device-level content filters and having open conversations with young people about the risks associated with gambling, including the way advertising and in-game mechanics can normalise it.
Getting Further Help
The organisations listed above are starting points, not the only options. A general practitioner, psychologist, or community health centre can also provide referrals to local gambling counselling services. Financial counselling is often available alongside gambling support, since debt is a common consequence of problem gambling. Many services are free of charge and do not require a referral to access them.