What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling that affects and disrupts your personal, work and family life. Almost anyone who gambles is at risk of becoming a problem gambler. Beginning to lose control of your gambling is an indication that you are developing a gambling problem.
If you cannot control the impulse to gamble, even when you know it will have a negative impact on your life and relationships you may have a gambling problem.
Around 500,000 Australians are at risk of becoming problem gamblers. For every person who has a gambling problem at least five to ten others are affected. What this means is that if you are a problem gambler your addiction and actions affects at least five other people close to you.
How can Mura Kosker help?
If you realise that your gambling is out of control you may need family support or professional help to get your life back on track.
Contact Mura Kosker Sorority and we can help you with:
- Counselling support for you and your family
- Budgeting consultations
- Contacting professional services and help
- Cultural and spiritual support
- Practical tips and advice
- Helpful tools and resources to get you back on track
A Guide to Problem Gambling
Gambling is about betting money on things or events which have an uncertain outcome.
The aim of gambling is to win money, products or goods. Gambling includes betting money on:
- poker machines
- horse or dog races
- lotteries
- bingo
- cards
- casino games
- online gambling
At first gambling may start out as a social activity in which you bet/spend a few dollars occasionally. However for many people gambling can turn from being an inexpensive social activity into an addictive behaviour with devastating personal and financial impacts.
Download our guide to Problem Gambling for more information.
How can I help a Problem Gambler?
It’s not always easy to know what to say or how to approach someone you care about who has a gambling problem.
Don’t be judgmental, show understanding and empathy and suggest alternative activities to do when you’re together. Don’t argue and avoid absolute statements like ‘You are totally out of control’.
Once you have been able to speak to your loved one about their gambling, suggest they speak to a counsellor or professional.
How to manage and prevent Problem Gambling?
Anyone can end up becoming a problem gambler. It’s not the amount of money that you gamble but rather the impact it has on your life and the lives of those you love.
You can prevent problem gambling by being honest with how much, when and how often you gamble. This is one strategy to ensure your gambling does not become an addiction.
Looking for more?
You can find lots of information and resources in our blog
Problem Gambling Support Services
24/7 Gambling Hotline
1800 858 858
For those struggling with problem gambling and need to speak to someone urgently.
Relationships Australia (RAQ)
1300 364 277
Relationships Australia is a community-based Australian organisation that provides relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
Wakai Waian Healing
1800 732 850
Wakai Waian provides psychological and counselling services to the Torres Strait region.
Torres Health
07 4090 3380
Torres Health is the first Indigenous Community Health Service in the Torres Strait.
