Once you become aware that you could be a problem gambler, you may feel ashamed and guilty. Self-blame and self-harm can increase stress and may urge you to gamble more. Instead, seek help so that you can change your life for the better. If gambling is causing problems in your life, there are many things you can do to stop it being an issue.
Strategies for change
Suggestions include:
Keep a gambling diary – this will help you better understand your problem. Include the type of gambling, the time spent and the amount you gamble. Write down the thoughts, feelings and situations that occur before and during a gambling session, so you can start to understand the causes of gambling.
Set goals – setting short-term and long-term goals may help you to stay focused and clear about cutting down or giving up your gambling.
Avoid high-risk situations – such as the use of credit cards, taking out loans, carrying large amounts of money with you, using gaming venues for socialising, or gambling as a reaction to emotions. These behaviours will weaken your resolve to control or stop your gambling.
Be kind to yourself – acknowledge your positive achievements. Write them down to remind yourself of your strengths and attributes.
Find alternatives to gambling – many people continue gambling because they do not know what else to do with their spare time. Explore new activities and hobbies.
Voluntary self-exclusion
If you would like to stop yourself from gambling at a venue, you can take part in a program called ‘voluntary self-exclusion’. You select the venues that you want to be excluded from and sign an agreement not to enter or use the gambling areas in those venues. The agreement gives those venues the legal authority to remove you if you do enter. There are three of these programs available: for licensed hotels and clubs, for Crown Casino and for TABs. These programs are free.
You don’t have to do it alone
Get someone to help you. Don’t be put off by this. You can do it on your own, but a support person makes it easier, especially if you have serious problems caused by gambling. Talk about your gambling problems with somebody you trust who won’t judge you. This person might be a spouse, parent or friend. Many organisations offer professional counselling, advice and support. Opening up to someone can ease the stress and emotional pain that causes you to continue to gamble.
Gambler's Help
Gambler's Help is a free service for people who are affected by gambling. There are Gambler's Help services available throughout Victoria, which provide:
Free, professional, confidential counselling for people for whom gambling is an issue
Counselling for the family and friends of people for whom gambling is an issue
Financial counselling to help people with gambling-related money problems
Advice on self-exclusion programs and other support services
Community education to help communities reduce the negati
ve effects of gambling.
Strategies for change
Suggestions include:
Keep a gambling diary – this will help you better understand your problem. Include the type of gambling, the time spent and the amount you gamble. Write down the thoughts, feelings and situations that occur before and during a gambling session, so you can start to understand the causes of gambling.
Set goals – setting short-term and long-term goals may help you to stay focused and clear about cutting down or giving up your gambling.
Avoid high-risk situations – such as the use of credit cards, taking out loans, carrying large amounts of money with you, using gaming venues for socialising, or gambling as a reaction to emotions. These behaviours will weaken your resolve to control or stop your gambling.
Be kind to yourself – acknowledge your positive achievements. Write them down to remind yourself of your strengths and attributes.
Find alternatives to gambling – many people continue gambling because they do not know what else to do with their spare time. Explore new activities and hobbies.
Voluntary self-exclusion
If you would like to stop yourself from gambling at a venue, you can take part in a program called ‘voluntary self-exclusion’. You select the venues that you want to be excluded from and sign an agreement not to enter or use the gambling areas in those venues. The agreement gives those venues the legal authority to remove you if you do enter. There are three of these programs available: for licensed hotels and clubs, for Crown Casino and for TABs. These programs are free.
You don’t have to do it alone
Get someone to help you. Don’t be put off by this. You can do it on your own, but a support person makes it easier, especially if you have serious problems caused by gambling. Talk about your gambling problems with somebody you trust who won’t judge you. This person might be a spouse, parent or friend. Many organisations offer professional counselling, advice and support. Opening up to someone can ease the stress and emotional pain that causes you to continue to gamble.
Gambler's Help
Gambler's Help is a free service for people who are affected by gambling. There are Gambler's Help services available throughout Victoria, which provide:
Free, professional, confidential counselling for people for whom gambling is an issue
Counselling for the family and friends of people for whom gambling is an issue
Financial counselling to help people with gambling-related money problems
Advice on self-exclusion programs and other support services
Community education to help communities reduce the negati
