Signs of gambling-related harm

Behavioural signs 

• Spending a lot of time in gambling venues or betting online 

• No longer enjoying activities you/they used to 

• Complaining about changes in their patterns of sleep or eating 

• Ignoring self-care, work, school or family tasks  

• Using alcohol or drugs more often  

• Neglecting personal or parental responsibilities.  

Emotional signs  

• Feeling regret about gambling 

• Feeling guilty about mood swings, anger or frustration taken out on family or friends  

• Complaining about stress, anxiety or trouble sleeping 

• Complains of boredom and restlessness seems depressed or suicidal.  

Financial/legal signs  

• Frequently asking for emergency money without explaining why 

• Having ongoing money problems that don’t make sense

• Living in a nearly empty house (very little food, no utilities, little furniture)  

• Having legal issues related to gambling.  

Health signs 

• Headaches  

• Digestive problems  

• Trouble sleeping  

• Overeating, or loss of appetite.  

Find out more on the Gambler's Help website  

• How to talk to someone about their gambling  

• Practical ways to help  

• How to help someone with a gambling issue  

• Find out the odds  

• Let's talk gambling blog  

How to protect yourself from gambling harm

Understanding betting