How to Stop Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction can affect anyone, regardless of background or income. In Australia, thousands of individuals face challenges related to excessive gambling every year. While many begin gambling for fun, it can slowly develop into a compulsive behaviour with serious emotional, financial, and social consequences. Recognising the problem is a crucial first step. This page offers practical strategies, emotional support, and access to professional help so that anyone struggling with gambling can find their way back to control, balance, and peace of mind.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive or problem gambling, is a mental health condition in which a person is unable to resist the urge to gamble, even when it causes harm. Unlike casual players who gamble occasionally for entertainment, addicted individuals often continue gambling despite knowing the negative consequences.

Common signs include obsessively thinking about gambling, chasing losses, lying to loved ones about betting habits, and risking relationships, jobs, or finances to continue gambling. Gambling addiction can lead to depression, anxiety, and in severe cases, self-harm. It is important to understand that gambling addiction is not a failure of willpower but a behavioural disorder that requires understanding and support.

Signs You May Need Help

Many people don’t realise they have a gambling problem until it starts impacting their daily life. Ask yourself the following:

• Do you gamble more money or time than you intended?
• Do you feel anxious or irritable when trying to cut down?
• Have you borrowed money or sold items to fund gambling?
• Do you hide your gambling from family or friends?
• Have you tried to stop but found it difficult?

If you answered yes to any of these, you may be developing or already have a gambling addiction. Acknowledging these signs is a brave and necessary step toward recovery.

Immediate Steps to Take

There are several things you can do today to start regaining control. First, consider enrolling in BetStop, Australia’s national self-exclusion register. It allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from all licensed online betting platforms for a period ranging from three months to a lifetime.

Delete gambling apps from your devices and unsubscribe from promotional emails and SMS. Install website-blocking tools such as Gamban, BetBlocker, or browser extensions that limit access to gambling content. Tell someone you trust about your situation—sharing your burden often reduces shame and opens the door to support. Lastly, review your finances, possibly with help from a financial counsellor, to start setting new spending boundaries.

Where to Get Help in Australia

Australia has many confidential and free resources for people affected by gambling addiction.

• Gambling Help Online (https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au): Offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and counselling sessions. It is anonymous, judgment-free, and designed specifically for Australians.
• Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): Provides crisis support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including gambling-related harm.
• Relationships Australia (https://www.relationships.org.au): Offers support services for individuals and families dealing with the consequences of problem gambling.
• Local community health services: Every state and territory has its own services where qualified counsellors provide tailored support. Examples include Turning Point (VIC), Mission Australia (NSW), and Centacare (SA).

Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness—it is an act of strength and self-respect.

Tools for Self-Exclusion and Blocking Access

BetStop is the primary tool for self-exclusion in Australia. Once you register, you are blocked from all licensed wagering providers nationwide. Operators are legally required to deny your access and must not send you marketing messages.

In addition to BetStop, there are digital tools like Gamban and BetBlocker, which you can install on your computer or mobile device. These programs prevent access to gambling websites and apps, offering an extra layer of control. You can also request your bank to block transactions to known gambling merchants or set spending caps on gambling categories. These actions, while simple, can significantly reduce impulsive gambling behaviour.

Staying on Track: Tips and Support

Stopping is one thing. Staying stopped is another. Recovery is not always a straight path, and relapses may happen—but that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. To maintain progress:

• Replace gambling with healthy activities that offer structure and pleasure: exercise, art, volunteering, or learning a new skill.
• Join peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous, where people share experiences and coping strategies.
• Keep a journal to track triggers, emotions, and progress.
• Avoid known triggers such as alcohol, isolation, or access to money when alone.
• Celebrate small victories, such as a week without gambling or sticking to a budget.

Remember, every step you take away from gambling is a step towards freedom and stability.

Help for Family and Friends

Gambling addiction often affects more than just the individual. Family members may experience betrayal, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. If someone close to you is struggling, educate yourself about the condition and approach them with empathy.

Avoid judgment and try to create a safe space for conversation. Encourage the person to seek help, but do not try to control their actions. Support services such as Gam-Anon offer guidance for loved ones of gamblers. You can also seek counselling for yourself to process the stress and regain balance.

Conclusion

Recovery from gambling addiction is absolutely possible. It begins with a single decision to seek help and continues through ongoing support and commitment. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone who is, remember: you’re not alone, and help is available right now.

Take the first step today. Use the resources above, talk to someone, or reach out for support. You deserve a future free from the grip of gambling.