Signs of Problematic Gambling Behaviour to Watch For
If someone you know spends hours on royal reels, it may be worth checking in on their wellbeing.
Gambling is a common pastime in Australia, but for some people it can spiral into a serious problem. Recognising the early warning signs can make a real difference—whether you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about. Problematic gambling doesn’t always look like a dramatic loss of money; it often starts subtly, with small changes in behaviour and attitude. Below are key signs to watch for, along with practical guidance on what to do next.
Behavioural Changes
One of the first places problematic gambling shows up is in daily routines. You might notice the person spending more time than usual gambling—online, at pubs, or via apps—and less time on hobbies, family, or work. They may become secretive about their phone or computer, or lie about where they’ve been. Missed appointments, neglected responsibilities, and unexplained absences are common red flags.
Another behavioural sign is chasing losses: after a loss, they gamble again quickly to win back what they’ve lost. This often leads to larger bets and riskier decisions. They might also borrow money, sell possessions, or ask for loans without a clear reason. If you notice these patterns, it’s worth paying attention.
Emotional and Psychological Signs
Problem gambling often affects mood and mental health. Someone struggling might seem anxious, irritable, or withdrawn—especially when they can’t gamble. They may experience mood swings, appear distracted, or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness about their gambling can also emerge, leading to further secrecy.
In some cases, gambling becomes a way to cope with stress, depression, or boredom. If someone talks about gambling as an escape or uses it to feel better, that’s a warning sign. Over time, this can create a cycle where the gambling itself causes more stress, which then fuels more gambling.
Financial Warning Signs
Money problems are often the most visible indicator. You might see unpaid bills, maxed-out credit cards, or a sudden drop in savings. They may ask to borrow money frequently or have unexplained cash withdrawals. Some people start selling personal items or taking out payday loans. In more severe cases, they may resort to theft or fraud—though this is not always the case.
It’s important to note that not everyone who gambles problematically will show obvious financial distress early on. Some manage to hide it well, especially if they have a steady income. That’s why emotional and behavioural cues matter just as much.
Key Signs to Watch For
- Spending increasing amounts of time or money on gambling
- Lying about gambling habits or hiding evidence
- Chasing losses and betting more to recover money
- Neglecting work, school, family, or self-care
- Borrowing money, selling belongings, or unpaid bills
- Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop
What You Can Do
If you recognise these signs in yourself, know that help is available and effective. Start by tracking your gambling—how often, how much, and how you feel before and after. Setting limits (time or money) can be a first step, but if you can’t stick to them, it may be time to seek support. Free, confidential services like Gambling Help Online or local community health centres can provide counselling and practical advice.
If you’re worried about someone else, approach them gently and without judgement. Use ‘I’ statements—for example, ‘I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately’—rather than accusations. Encourage them to talk to a professional and offer to help them find resources. Avoid lending money, as this can enable the behaviour. Instead, focus on emotional support and connecting them with help.
Problematic gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. The sooner someone gets support, the better the outcome. Keep an eye out for the signs above, and don’t hesitate to reach out if something feels off.