A problem shared is a problem halved for problem gamblers

When does gambling become ‘irresponsible’?

It’s an invisible line, but it’s an important one.

Problem gambling is characterised by difficulties in limiting money and/or time spent on gambling.

This leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or the community.

If you’ve never experienced the pull of a destructive gambling habit it can be hard to understand why people find themselves in a position where they can’t stop gambling.

The bright, flashing lights, vibrant colours, celebratory music, and cash prizes that poker machines offer trigger the reward centre of the brain, releasing a feel-good chemical called dopamine.

This is one reason why it can be difficult to stop. For someone with a destructive gambling habit their life can be in turmoil.

Although they want to stop and one part of them knows the destruction their habit is causing, another part of their brain is benefitting from the rush of feel good chemicals.

A recent study has found that every problem gambler affects six other people in their life.

When left unchecked, problem gambling has devastating effects on those around them.

Problem gambling is a costly activity in the Hunter region.

About $400 million is lost through poker machines alone each year in the region and there is even more loss as younger gamblers are captivated by sports betting on their smart phones.

Critics of current responsible gambling measures claim that these measures are unconcerned with preventing harm and at best, act as an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff, not a fence at the top.

Experienced problem gambling counsellors all agree that people’s complex life experience is one factor that lead them to a point of gambling harm and supporting them to overcome the gambling means grasping the whole picture of their life.

Of the people who approach Samaritans for gambling counselling, about 80 per cent have a trauma background. The trance-like, numbing nature of a device like a poker machine appeals to someone who wants to block out a history of harm and find their own way of self-medicating.

Their life experiences are much more complex than what appears on the surface.

A young woman who recently presented for support said she has gambled and used drugs for many years. After she looked at some possible reasons for her addictions she started talking about the abuse she endured when she was a child.

At the end of the session she said she felt much better and added, “I haven’t talked much about gambling have I?”

During counselling she is learning more about herself and as a result the need to gamble and use drugs becomes less.

The theme for this week’s Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is important: “#Checkin”.

Checking in with your friends, loved ones and those around you can give people the opportunity they need to identify a problem they may have.

For those who are close to a problem gambler – perhaps it’s your partner or a relative – there are steps to take to check in with that person. Talking about your feelings, listening to theirs and helping them manage their money are all the start of a bigger conversation with a problem gambler.

Connecting your loved one with a free professional  gamblingHelp counselling service is also crucial.

Many problem gamblers also suffer from depression, anxiety, restlessness, and at times, alcoholism or increased drug use. A downward spiral or negative emotional state can trigger a gambling session.

Samaritans is proud to be one of the operators in the Hunter to offer not just free gambling counselling but financial counselling.

Our website has all the details to get in touch as well as helpful articles with extra detail on how to check in with someone you know who may be struggling with problem gambling.

The saying rings true: a problem shared is a problem halved.

This week, #checkin with your loved ones and those around you.

If you need help visit gamblinghelponline.org.au or samaritans.org.au