Call our free helpline

1. Gambling isn’t bad – as long as you play it safe
2. Gambling is not a reliable way to make money
3. Winning or losing is totally random – it’s not influenced by luck, wishing, timing, or any other factors
4. Seeking help is nothing to be ashamed about – it’s a brave step towards self-improvement
5. Betting is always random, unreliable, and unpredictable – no amount of “skill” can change that
6. Seeking support through Gambling Help has no impact on your visa status or migration journey
7. Seeking help from Gambling Help is completely confidential – we don’t tell your friends, family, work, school, government bodies, or anyone else
8. Mental health is just health – when you have a cold, you usually go to the doctor or the chemist to get a check-up and some medicine – seeking support for your emotions is just as important! It’s nothing to be embarrassed of.

Here are a few signs of gambling harm:

• Stress
• Anxiety, depression
• Trouble eating or sleeping
• Spending more to chase losses
• Racking up debt from gambling
• Anger or sadness from gambling
• Gambling to try and earn a profit
• Constantly thinking about gambling
• Missing work or school because of gambling
• Stealing or borrowing money to gamble with
• Feeling like you can’t resist the urge to gamble
• Arguments with loved ones about your gambling
• Struggling to pay for essentials because of gambling
• Trouble concentrating or not being able to stop thinking about gambling or betting
• Gambling-related debt
• Getting into legal trouble
• Thoughts or talk of suicide or self-harm
• Arguing with loved ones about gambling
• Extreme feelings like stress, anger, anxiety, or depression related to gambling
• Spending time gambling instead of with loved ones, especially family or kids.

More signs of gambling harm

Here are a few signs of gambling harm:

• Stress.
• Anxiety, depression.
• Trouble eating or sleeping.
• Spending more to chase losses.
• Racking up debt from gambling.
• Anger or sadness from gambling.
• Gambling to try and earn a profit.
• Constantly thinking about gambling.
• Missing work or school because of gambling.
• Stealing or borrowing money to gamble with.
• Feeling like you can’t resist the urge to gamble.
• Arguments with loved ones about your gambling.
• Struggling to pay for essentials because of gambling.
• Trouble concentrating or not being able to stop thinking about gambling or betting.
• Gambling-related debt.
• Getting into legal trouble.
• Thoughts or talk of suicide or self-harm.
• Arguing with loved ones about gambling.
• Extreme feelings like stress, anger, anxiety, or depression related to gambling.
• Spending time gambling instead of with loved ones, especially family or kids.

For many people, gambling is a way to enjoy time with friends, connect with others from similar cultural backgrounds, and be part of shared experiences. When approached with balance, it can feel fun and social.

But sometimes, gambling can start to feel less enjoyable and more stressful. When this happens, it can quietly affect many parts of our lives, and the lives of those we care about.

When gambling starts to have an unwanted impact, it can affect:

• Your mental health
• Your emotional wellbeing
• Your physical health
• Your ability to focus at work or in your studies
• Your relationships
• Your finances
• And other areas of daily life.

How can it affect my family and friends?

When someone is experiencing gambling-related challenges, it doesn’t just affect them. It can also affect their loved ones — including partners, children, extended family, and friends.

Affects on loved ones may look like:

• More arguments or tension
• Loss of trust
• Financial stress in the household
• Less time spent together
• Feeling distant or disconnected
• Worrying about each other’s wellbeing
• Emotional and mental health strain for those around you.
• Children in particular can be affected by the stress in the home, and they are more likely to engage in gambling later in life.

In some cultures, gambling is seen as a normal or social activity. In others, it may be considered shameful or taboo. This can make it very hard to speak openly or ask for support — especially if you are worried about being judged, misunderstood, or excluded.

You are not alone. There is no shame in needing support, and there are people who understand what you’re going through and will listen without judgement.

Whatever your story, support is available in a way that respects your culture, language, and personal journey.