Signs of Problem Gambling Behaviour

Gambling is a popular pastime enjoyed by many Australians, whether it’s playing pokies at a local venue, wagering on sports, or trying luck through online casinos. While most people gamble responsibly and for entertainment, a significant number can develop problem gambling behaviour, which can lead to serious personal, financial, and social consequences. Recognising the signs of problem gambling is crucial to getting help early and preventing further harm. This article provides an in-depth overview of common signs of problem gambling behaviour, aiming to help individuals, families, and communities better understand and respond to this issue.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling—sometimes called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling—refers to gambling behaviour that causes disruptions in a person’s life. Unlike recreational gambling, it often involves a compulsion to gamble despite harmful consequences. A problem gambler may lose control over their gambling habits, continue to gamble to chase losses, or gamble to escape from stress or other emotions.

Why Is It Important to Identify Problem Gambling?

Early identification of problem gambling behaviour allows individuals to seek support before their situation worsens. It also helps family members and friends intervene in a constructive way. Given the accessibility of many forms of gambling in Australia, recognising red flags is more important than ever.

Common Signs of Problem Gambling Behaviour

1. Preoccupation with Gambling

One of the first and most noticeable signs is an overwhelming preoccupation with gambling activities. This may look like:

• Constantly thinking about betting, winnings, or strategies.
• Planning the next gambling session obsessively.
• Talking excessively about gambling or related events.

This intense focus often crowds out other interests or commitments, including family, work, and social life.

2. Increasing Bets to Achieve the Desired Thrill

As gambling behaviour escalates, many problem gamblers find that they need to bet larger amounts or take riskier bets just to feel the excitement they initially experienced. Signs include:

• Raising bet sizes progressively.
• Trying new and riskier games.
• Spending more money than before despite losses.

This tolerance resembles what is seen in other addictive behaviours.

3. Chasing Losses

After a losing streak, a problem gambler may try to recover their losses by continued or increased gambling, a reckless behaviour known as chasing losses. This often leads to deeper financial trouble because:

• They believe “the next bet” will fix their loss.
• They cannot walk away even when losing heavily.
• Losses accumulate rapidly and unpredictably.

Chasing is widely regarded as a classic sign of problem gambling.

4. Neglecting Responsibilities and Relationships

Problem gambling impacts many other life areas, often causing neglect of:

• Work or academic obligations.
• Family duties and relationships.
• Personal hygiene or wellbeing.

When gambling takes priority, it harms both the gambler and their loved ones. Friends or family may notice that the person is distant or frequently unavailable.

5. Borrowing Money or Hiding Finances

Financial problems are among the most glaring signs. Indicators include:

• Borrowing money from friends, family, or lenders to gamble.
• Frequently asking for loans or cash advances.
• Lying about finances or hiding betting extracts.
• Running up credit card debts or overdrafts.
• Selling possessions in secret.

Money issues can be a driving force that worsens emotional distress.

6. Experiencing Intense Mood Changes

Problem gambling is often tied to significant emotional highs and lows. Signs include:

• Feeling euphoric after winning but severely depressed after losses.
• Becoming irritable, anxious, or restless when unable to gamble.
• Feeling guilty but unable to stop gambling.
• Using gambling to escape from stress or problems.

Emotional instability related to gambling can contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

7. Failed Attempts to Cut Back or Stop

Many problem gamblers are aware that their behaviour is out of control but find that they:

• Attempt to reduce or stop gambling but relapse quickly.
• Make excuses for gambling or downplay the problem.
• Resist advice or help from others.

Repeated failed efforts to curb gambling can demonstrate the compulsive nature of problem gambling.

8. Jeopardising Work or Academic Performance

Excessive gambling may take time away from work or study, leading to:

• Lateness or absenteeism.
• Poor concentration or productivity.
• Risk of job loss or academic failure.

The gambler’s focus shifts from daily responsibilities towards gambling outcomes.

Less Obvious, But Still Important Signs

Secrecy Around Gambling Activities

Problem gamblers may hide the extent of their gambling by:

• Lying about the time or money spent gambling.
• Using private devices or accounts to gamble online.
• Deleting browsing history or messages related to bets.

They often isolate themselves to avoid questions or judgment.

Feeling Unable to Function Without Gambling

This sign relates to how deeply gambling can impact someone’s life. Problem gamblers may find that without gambling:

• They feel “empty” or restless.
• Other hobbies or social activities lose appeal.
• They become preoccupied with thoughts of gambling even when not actively playing.

This dependence demonstrates emotional and behavioural consequences.

Risk Factors for Problem Gambling in Australia

Understanding certain risk factors helps contextualise problem gambling behaviour. These include:

• Frequent access to gambling venues or online sites.
• Social or economic challenges, such as unemployment or financial struggles.
• Mental health issues, especially anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.
• Younger age groups particularly vulnerable to developing compulsive habits.
• Family history of addictions.

Awareness campaigns and support services in Australia work to reduce these risks.

How to Seek Help for Problem Gambling

If you or someone you know exhibits the signs discussed above, it is crucial to pursue help as soon as possible.

Professional Support Options

• Gambling Help Services: Free, confidential counselling available in all states and territories.
• Financial Counselling: Assistance to deal realistically with debt and budgeting.
• Psychotherapy and Mental Health Support: Helps address underlying emotional or psychological issues.

Self-Help Strategies

• Setting gambling limits or exclusions on online and land-based sites.
• Developing alternative hobbies and social connections.
• Using reality-check tools offered by many gaming providers.
• Opening up rarely but honestly about gambling behaviour with trusted people.

Seeking early assistance can improve outcomes.

Conclusion

Problem gambling behaviour can be subtle or obvious, but recognising the signs early is key to preventing sequence damage in personal wellbeing, relationships, and finances. Australian individuals affected by gambling harms should know that help is accessible and effective. By paying close attention to behavioural changes such as preoccupation with gambling, chasing losses, neglecting responsibilities, mood swings, and financial troubles, one can support themselves or their loved ones on the road to recovery.

Remember, gambling should always remain a form of entertainment, not a compulsive burden.

If you need support:

Visit Gambling Help Online or call the national 24/7 helpline at 1800 858 858 for free confidential advice and assistance anywhere in Australia.