Gambling Harms

Gambling-related harms

Gambling-related harms are the adverse impacts from gambling on the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and society. These harms impact on people’s resources, relationships and health.

Recognising Gambling Harms

It can be really difficult to know if you’re struggling with gambling, as sometimes it’s hard to see the physical effects of gambling too much. Harm from gambling is more than financial losses, it can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health, work and social life. Below are some signs to look out for that mean you may be having some difficulties with your gambling and would benefit from help and support:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford;
• Spending too much time on gambling;
• Hiding your gambling from those around you, or lying about it;
• Finding it hard to manage or stop gambling;
• Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling;
• Losing interest in usual activities like spending time with friends or family;
• Always thinking or talking about gambling;
• Chasing losses or using gambling to get out of financial trouble;
• Gambling until all your money is gone;
• Borrowing money, selling possessions or avoid paying bills in order to pay for gambling;
• Gambling with larger amounts of money or for a longer amount of time;
• Neglecting work, school, family, personal needs or household responsibilities;
• Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.  

Tackling the issue can be difficult

Reducing gambling harms is a lot more complicated than telling people to stop.

There are many reasons why people gamble including easy access, time and money, poverty and the power of advertising.