Gambling

Although there are no consistent symptoms of problem gambling, instead there are a number of cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and financial signs that might indicate that a person is experiencing a gambling problem. These include:

Cognitive and emotional

• frequent thoughts about gambling
• feeling irritable and restless when attempting to stop gambling
• gambling in order to escape problems/feel better
• gambling more and more money in order to achieve feelings of excitement. 

Behavioural

• arguments with family or friends as a result of issues relating to gambling
• relationship issues related to money or financial hardship
• hiding and/or lying about gambling behaviours
• experiencing difficulties at work or with study as a result of gambling behaviour
• repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling
• difficulties resisting the urge to gamble.

Financial

• relying on others to resolve financial troubles caused by gambling
• legal issues related to debt or financial troubles
• gambling in order to win back lost money.

There is no one cause for problem gambling. Rather, there are a range of factors that might increase the risk of a person developing gambling problems, including:

• Demographics: People aged 18-35 years are the most at-risk age group for developing gambling issues, with men more likely to experience problems with gambling than women (especially younger males).
• Personal differences: People who are more impulsive, have significant problems with mood and relationships, or have substance use problems are more at risk of developing problems with gambling.
• Stressful life events: In some individuals, negative life events such as the loss of a job, family problems, relationship breakdowns, or wider economic crises may also trigger gambling behaviour. This can create a cycle where in turn, gambling behaviour can then exacerbate stressful life events.
• Environmental factors: Living or working in areas with a large concentration of gambling venues (e.g., hotels/clubs) increases an individual’s risk of developing problem gambling. Pokie venue settings and online betting conditions, targeted advertising, increased access to gaming, and the design of the games themselves can all make it difficult for people to make informed choices about how much they spend and how long they gamble.

Research has shown that a number of psychological strategies are helpful in the treatment and management of problem gambling, with the most effective being cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET). These programs can be administered face-to-face or virtually and included immersive and brief therapeutic options. These strategies are described below.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

CBT is a type of therapy that helps an individual to change unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In relation to problem gambling, CBT uses a range of cognitive and behavioural strategies to help identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts (e.g., superstitious beliefs), responses to stress and life difficulties, and how a person responds to triggers for gambling. CBT has been widely shown to be effective in reducing problem gambling behaviours, and includes both face-to-face or internet-based treatments.

Motivational interviewing

MI is a counselling approach which helps strengthen an individual’s motivation to change their gambling behaviour by exploring reasons for change and resolving any uncertainty they might be experiencing about the change. During MI, the psychologist uses a range of strategies to help bring about behavioural change, such as goal setting, developing a plan of action, and increasing the person's confidence to change their gambling habits.

Motivational enhancement therapy

MET is a brief psychological intervention based on the principles of MI. A core feature of MET is the delivery of personalised feedback following an initial assessment to bring about self-motivated behaviour change. MET typically consists of four sessions, with the first two sessions focusing on assessment, feedback, and the development of behaviour change plans, and the two follow-up sessions assessing the individual’s progress and reinforcing goals.

Seeing a Psychologist

If gambling is affecting you or a family members’ work, school, home life, or relationships, a psychologist may be able to help. Psychologists are highly trained and qualified professionals, skilled in diagnosing and treating a range of concerns, including problem gambling. A psychologist can help you to identify and address factors that might be contributing to your gambling behaviour or the behaviour of someone you care about.

A financial advisor, social worker, or legal services can also help you manage any budget, debt, housing, or legal problems you might be experiencing.

Psychologists usually see clients individually but can also include family members to support treatment where appropriate. Psychologists sometimes offer group therapy, involving a small number of people with similar issues.

There are a few ways you can access a psychologist. You can:

• - Use the Australia-wide Find a Psychologist service or call 1800 333 497
• - Ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.

If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be able to get a Medicare rebate. You may also be able to receive psychology services via telehealth so you don’t need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.

Gambling Help Online

Gambling Help Online provides free support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.

https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

National Debt Hotline

A free and confidential service offering resources, advice, and referrals.

www.ndh.org.au

Head to Health

The Federal Government’s website linking the public to reputable and evidence-based digital mental health services.

www.headtohealth.gov.au

beyondblue

Provides information on anxiety, depression, and related disorders

www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline

A 24-hour counselling, suicide prevention and mental health support service

Telephone: 13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

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