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Swin-eCounselling Resources – Gambling

While gambling remains a popular pastime, and is often embraced as an accepted part of ‘Aussie culture’, problem gambling can impact heavily on families, friends and the community. For many people, gambling is simply a way to have fun, and …

Swin-eCounselling Resources – Gambling

While gambling remains a popular pastime, and is often embraced as an accepted part of ‘Aussie culture’, problem gambling can impact heavily on families, friends and the community. For many people, gambling is simply a way to have fun, and making money is just a bonus. For some people, however, gambling can become problematic and many aspects of your life can be negatively affected. If you, or someone you know, gambles more money than he/she intended or can afford, lies about or hides the gambling, or his/her prior interests or activities are seriously affected by their gambling, he/she may be showing signs of problematic gambling. With the growth of gambling over the internet, gambling facilities are now easier to access, money is easier to spend recklessly and gambling may be done in private, where supportive others are unaware of what is going on. All these factors can increase the susceptibility to problem gambling and prevent gamblers getting the help that they need.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to help control your gambling and prevent a problem from developing or becoming worse.

  • Set yourself goals for cutting down your gambling and limit the amount you spend.
  • Avoid high risk situations, such as gambling over the internet, or using a credit card when you play.
  • Ask for help from supportive family or friends and talk about your gambling.
  • Find an alternative, fun activity to do when you feel like gambling.
  • Prepare for a lapse if you decide to stop gambling. If this happens, it doesn’t mean you have failed or will need to gamble again. Instead, use this opportunity to look at why you turned to gambling and how you can deal with those urges in future.
  • There are also a number of specialised services in the community, which can help you deal with problematic gambling. Speaking with a counsellor can help you develop effective strategies for you to combat your gambling problems and improve other areas of your life that may have been affected.

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