What is gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction is when you can't stop gambling, even when it causes you harm.

Gambling addiction is also known as pathological gambling or gambling disorder. People with a gambling addiction continue to gamble, even if it takes up a lot of their time or they are losing a lot of money. They continue to take risks, in the hope that the reward will be valuable.

When does gambling become a problem?

Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively impacts on your life. Most people who bet don't have a gambling problem.

Gambling addiction can seriously affect all areas of life. Problem gambling can involve:

• financial losses
• health problems
• problems at work or with studies
• mental health challenges
• breakdown of personal relationships
• criminal activity
• cultural harm

They can be serious for you, as well as for members of your family, for your friends and associates.

How can I help someone with a gambling addiction?

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, having a kind and honest conversation can encourage them to get the help they need. They might feel embarrassed or ashamed and want to avoid the topic. They might deny that there's a problem and say they don't need to change.

People with a gambling addiction may also try to hide their gambling behaviour. You can look out for warning signs that gambling has become a problem for someone you know.

Gambling addiction can cause financial problems. Signs of financial troubles include:

• borrowing money often
• having multiple loans
• unpaid bills
• lack of food and household essentials
• missing money or household valuables

Addiction can also cause changes in a person's mental health and wellbeing. Behavioural signs you may notice include:

• conflict with others
• missing important events
• poor performance at work or school
• taking more sick days
• withdrawing from family or at work
• changes in personality or mood
• an increase in alcohol or drug use

Do I have a gambling addiction?

If you have a gambling addiction, you may notice that you:

• spend more time and money on gambling than you intend to
• 'chase' losses (try to win back what you lost)
• think about gambling often, and have feelings of irritability or restlessness if you try to stop
• use gambling as a way to cope with bad moods or stress
• lie to hide how much you gamble
• miss important events because of gambling, such as family gatherings, work or appointments
• rely on others for financial support after large gambling losses

People with gambling addiction may be more likely than others to think about or attempt suicide.

If you are worried that you might have a problem with gambling, you can take a short gambling self-assessment quiz. This is called the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI for short). This can help you understand whether you are having trouble controlling your gambling.

Why do people keep gambling?

Many factors may increase a person's chances of developing problems with gambling. Sometimes, people turn to gambling to escape from other difficulties in their lives.

Gambling is a form of addiction. People with a gambling problem can have similar chemical changes in their brains to those seen in people addicted to alcohol or drugs. Gambling activates the brain's reward system. It triggers the release of certain chemicals that increase happy feelings, such as dopamine. Often, gambling products are designed to make you feel like you are winning, even when you are not.

Australian society accepts gambling and sees it as a part of normal life. This can make it very hard for people with a problem to keep away from gambling activities.

Where can I get help with gambling addiction?

There are many support groups where you can get help to quit a gambling addiction.

If you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction, speak to your doctor. They can connect you with professionals, who can help you manage your addiction.

Psychological therapy, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), may help overcome gambling addiction. Psychological therapies can also address underlying problems such as anxiety, depression or social isolation. Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist if you need one.

Some people who gamble may find financial counselling can help them recover financially.

Resources and support

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

There are many resources available to help you learn about addiction and manage a gambling addiction:

• Get immediate support from the Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858. The service is free and confidential and also offers an online chat service.
• BetStop is the Australian Government National Self-Exclusion Register, which helps you to block your access to all licensed Australian online and phone gambling.
• Turning Point offers support services for people with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions, including counselling.
• SHARC - Self Help Addiction Resource Centre is a helpline that supports friends and family members impacted by someone's drug and alcohol use or gambling — available online, or by calling 1300 660 068.
• ReachOut.com has information about gambling addiction and mental health for young people. You can also chat with ReachOut peer workers online.
• The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 can provide help with financial difficulties.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential gambling support in community languages.

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health offers mental health resources and personal stories translated in more than 30 community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Call 13Yarn (13 92 76) for culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Gambling Help Online offers free and confidential gambling support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Gambler's Help has an awareness program about gambling for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.