How to spot harm from gambling in yourself

  • Can I stop gambling when I want to?
  • Do I feel sad, stressed or worried about money that I have lost gambling?
  • Do I think about gambling every day?
  • Do I lose sleep or forget to eat when I am gambling?
  • Do I miss work or am I late to work because I am gambling?
  • Do I gamble when I should be doing something else? Like working, exercising or spending time with my family?
  • Do I have enough money for food, bills and rent each week?
  • Do I have to ask other people for money because I lost money gambling?
  • Have I sold any of my belongings to make money for gambling?
  • Have I stolen money or items from other people to pay for gambling?
  • Do I fight with loved ones when they mention my gambling?

How to spot harm from gambling in a loved one

  • Do they seem feel sad, stressed or worried?
  • Have they mentioned money that has been lost gambling?
  • Do they talk about “being due for a win” or knowing that a “big win is coming”?
  • Do they lose sleep or miss work because they are gambling?
  • Are they absent from activities or events they would normally attend?
  • Do they have enough money for food, power and rent each week? Has their power been turned off? Have you seen them eat a meal recently?
  • Do they ask other people for money regularly? i.e. weekly
  • Do they say they will pay you back once they “have a big win”?

Support services

If you, or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling you are not alone. See the list of support services Where to get help available