Signs of gambling harm

Are you worried about your gambling – or someone else’s? If gambling is negatively affecting you or your life, it’s likely that it’s become a problem. Recognising the signs of a “gambling problem” can help you find out if you’re at risk and decide on what you should do next.

What is a “gambling problem”?

Gambling harm occurs when gambling negatively impacts your finances, relationships, mental health, physical health, job, studies, or other parts of your life and wellbeing.

Gambling harm may be referred to by some people as “problem gambling” or a “gambling addiction.” It’s important to avoid these kinds of phrases, as they can contribute to the stigma surrounding gambling and can intensify feelings like shame and guilt.

Australia’s national definition of “problem gambling” is:

“Problem gambling is characterised by difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community.”

People experiencing gambling harm often have trouble controlling their gambling and will continue to gamble, even when it is harming themselves or the people they care about.

What is gambling harm?

At Gambling Help, our counsellors refer to “problem gambling” as gambling harm.

It’s important to avoid commonly-used phrases like “gambling problem” or “problem gamble,” as they can contribute to the stigma surrounding gambling and can intensify feelings like shame and guilt.

The spectrum of gambling harm

Gambling problems have different levels of severity. People can move back and forth on this spectrum – and the risks get bigger at each level.

Below are the different categories of gambling harm, which are defined by the internationally-used tool called the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). This tool assesses your gambling – you can find out where you sit on the spectrum of gambling harm in our gambling self-assessment.

No gambling

People who don’t gamble at all. This is about 27% of adults in Australia.

Non-problem gambling

People who gamble, but don’t have any negative consequences.

Low-risk gambling

People who experience a low level of problems with no or few negative risks. For example, they may occasionally spend over their limit and feel guilty about their gambling.

Moderate-risk gambling

People who experience a moderate level of problems leading to negative consequences. For example, they may sometimes spend above their limit, lose track of time, or feel guilty about their gambling.

Problem gambling

People who gamble with major negative consequences and a loss of control. For example, they may often spend more than they can afford to lose, neglect responsibilities because of gambling, miss out on quality time with their loved ones due to gambling, gamble to win back money (chasing losses), trying to gamble as a form of income, or are feeling highly stressed, anxious, or angry about their gambling.

Take the gambling self-assessment

Signs of a “gambling problem” in adults

Financial signs of gambling harm

Borrowing money or taking out loans to gamble.
Selling assets to gamble.
Stealing money to gamble.
Attempting to gamble with a credit card (this is banned in Australia).
Viewing gambling as a way to earn money, profit, or income.
Chasing losses by gambling more.
Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse, or money jar.
Perpetrating financial abuse.

Behavioural signs of gambling harm

Less involved in their regular hobbies
Using drugs or alcohol more often or more excessively
Constantly checking their phone
Strong negative emotions like anger or sadness at gambling losses
Seeming worried, agitated, or upset for no apparent reason
Talking a lot about gambling
Avoiding the topic of gambling
Spending excessive time in locations with gaming rooms or pokies
Researching odds and betting strategies
Changes in eating patterns or sleeping habits
Seeming distracted or not present or focused

Relationship signs of gambling harm

Seeming uninterested in family and friends
Becoming withdrawn from family or friends
Changes in relationship patterns
Controlling or manipulative behaviour
Showing signs of abusive behaviour
Arguing about gambling or money
Becoming neglectful of their partner
Becoming neglectful of their children
Missing from, late to, or leaving early from family events
Neglecting responsibilities at home

Signs a colleague or employee is experiencing gambling harm

Taking time off because of gambling
Being unable to concentrate because of gambling
Falling behind on work assignments
Coming into work hungover
Spending excessive time at places with gaming rooms
Constantly checking their phone
Seeming distant or not present
Taking out pay in advance