What is Gambling Harm?

Overview

What is Gambling Harm?

Gambling related harm is when an individual has an urge to gamble regardless of the harmful, negative consequences which can occur. It can have serious, significant impacts on finances, relationships and on the overall wellbeing of not just themselves but also their loved ones. Individuals living with a problematic gambling may have a desire to stop their behaviour, but they are unable to do so.

When you are looking at your own gambling behaviour there are 5 signs to consider when thinking about how gambling is affecting you and the people around you:



Preoccupation
Are you finding that you are spending most of your day thinking about gambling, or what has happened to the bets that you have placed? Have you found yourself being distracted by gambling when you are spending time with friends and family, or at work?

Withdrawal
Have you found you have isolated yourself, or withdrawn from family and friends, so that you can make time to gamble?

Escape
Do you find you use gambling as a way of escaping the everyday stresses of life? Has gambling become a coping mechanism for you?

Chasing losses
Do you find yourself chasing money that you have lost gambling?

Lying
Are you honest with your loved ones about how much money, or time, you have spent gambling?


At Breakeven we are dedicated to providing free support for anyone experiencing gambling related harm.

It is important to remember that gambling related harm doesn’t just affect the individual who gambles, it can also effect their family and friends, too. If you are affected by someone else’s gambling, please visit our support for family and friends page to get free support.

When to seek professional support
Urge to gamble is out of control and you are unable to manage it
Family members, friends or co-workers have expressed concerns about your gambling
Always thinking about when you’re going to next gamble
Chasing losses or gambling to win back the money you have lost
Lying about how much you gamble or hiding it from other people
Causing financial problems for yourself and your household
Spending less time with people and more time gambling
Causing your health problems such as anxiety and stress
Gambling all your money including your wages, bills and savings
Neglecting other aspects of your life such as your family, friends and work
Taking out debts to finance your gambling
Stolen or borrowed money to gamble

Alternative Types of Gambling


Stock Exchange
There is a fine line between trading and gambling and sometimes it is not easy to define. If you find yourself preoccupied with stock trading, investing more than you can afford or hiding your trading activity from loved ones you might need to re-think your trading activity. At Breakeven we can help you identify potential harmful behaviours and thought patterns and support you accordingly.

Cryptocurrency
Similar to stock trading, cryptocurrency trading has become very popular in the recent years. It is highly unpredictable makes it a lot more dangerous and similar to gambling. Your Breakeven counsellor can work with you to find ways to minimise harm and help you either stop or better control your Crypto investing.

Gambling within Video Games
Since video games have become a staple past time activity for children and adults, certain mechanics have been included that have monetised the element of chance in the form of random rewards or in-game betting, using real life money. Given the breadth of the target audience, an increasing number of people (including children) find themselves spending more than they can afford on video games or feel a compulsion to continue spending money and time, without being able to stop. We can help you address these or similar issues and find your own ways to cope with them so that you can have a gaming experience that is free of gambling related harm.

Social Media Lotteries
Online lotteries and fundraisers are increasing in popularity. Be aware that lotteries also include raffles, sweepstakes and some competitions. These are all forms of gambling and are subject to laws on how they are run.
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