Signs of a gambling problem, and where to get help

Gambling problems hardly ever start with one big moment. They creep up on you. A bit more money. A bit more often. A few more things you don't mention to anyone.

Most people being harmed by gambling wouldn't call themselves problem gamblers. That's why it's worth knowing the signs, for yourself and for the people you care about.

The questions counsellors use

Counsellors in Australia use a short set of questions called the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Have a go. Think back over the last 12 months. How often have you:

• bet more than you could really afford to lose?
• needed to gamble with more money to get the same excitement?
• gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
• borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
• felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
• had people criticise your betting or tell you that you had a gambling problem, whether or not you thought it was true?
• felt guilty about the way you gamble, or about what happens when you gamble?
• had gambling cause you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
• had gambling cause any money problems for you or your household?

If you said "sometimes" or more to any of them, gambling may be harming you. The more questions, and the more often, the higher the risk.

Gambling Help Online has a free online version that gives you a score. It isn't a diagnosis. It's a good place to start, though.

Other warning signs

Watch the money. Bills nobody can explain, borrowing, money missing from accounts, or rent, food and bill money going on gambling.

Watch the time, too. Gambling for longer than planned. Losing track of the hours. Gambling instead of sleeping, working or seeing people.

Secrets are another sign. Hiding how much you spend, deleting betting apps before someone looks at your phone, or lying about where you've been.

Notice your mood. Feeling restless or cranky when you try to cut back. Gambling to escape stress or feeling low. Worrying about money.

And notice the way you think about it. Planning the next session. Believing the next win will fix things. Chasing losses.

When it's someone you love

You might notice money going missing, debts nobody explains, or long absences with no reason given. Maybe they're glued to their phone during every game, or their mood swings with the sport results.

Bring it up calmly, without blame, at a time when neither of you is upset. Something like: "I've noticed..., and I'm worried."

Gambling Help services support family and friends too, even if the person gambling isn't ready to get help yet.

Free help, any time

• Call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. It's free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Rather type than talk? Gambling Help Online has chat and email counselling, any time.
• Sign up to BetStop, the national self-exclusion register. It's free, and it blocks you from every licensed online and phone betting service, for anywhere from 3 months to life.
• Ban yourself from gaming rooms. Pubs, clubs and casinos run their own self-exclusion programs, and Gambling Help can arrange it for you.
• Ask your bank. Many Australian banks let you block gambling payments in their app.
• If gambling has left you with debts, talk to a free financial counsellor on the National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007.

Small steps you can take today

Track what you spend for a month. Our spending diary keeps it private, in your own browser, with a monthly limit you set.

See what your gambling adds up to, and what that money could do for you instead, with the spend check.

Set deposit limits in your betting apps, or delete them.

And if something on this page rang true, ring 1800 858 858. You can call about yourself, or about someone you're worried about.