Most people gamble socially. They hope to win but expect to lose. These people never bet more than they can afford to lose and can walk away from the game when they want to.

Excessive or problem gambling is when a person spends more money, energy and time than they can reasonably afford. The result negatively impacts the person’s own sense of wellbeing, their finances, their relationships, and other important areas of their life.

Problem gambling can create family conflict, relationship problems and financial difficulties. It can affect a person's performance at work and can lead to substance abuse. Problem gambling can cause sleeping problems and can also lead to anxiety, depression or suicide.

UnitingCare Community’s Gambling Help Service can help those who are directly and indirectly impacted by excessive gambling. Services are free and are available in Far North Queensland, Toowoomba & South West Queensland and the Wide Bay & Burnett Region.

Support consists of:

• The Gambling Help Line, available 24-hours a day – 1800 858 858
• Free Intervention Services including face-to-face counselling 
• Financial Counselling
• Support groups
• Indigenous support, training & community education
• Assistance with self-exclusions
• Information and training for community support agencies, professionals and gaming industry
• Free information/awareness sessions for schools, community groups, clubs, cultural groups, youth groups and the general public,

If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please contact your local centre to discover which services are available near you.

Tips for safe gambling

If you have problems at work or in relationships as a result of gambling, get irritable when you are unable to gamble, or have difficulty controlling your gambling, please contact your local Lifeline Centre or call the Gambling Help line – 1800 858 858.

Tips for Safe Gambling:

• Plan how much you will spend and stick to it.
• Take along only the amount you can afford to play with. Leave the rest at home including your eftpos and credit cards . 
• Expect to lose – gambling costs money, just like all forms of entertainment.
• Don’t mix drinking with gambling.
• Keep a diary of wins and losses.
• Limit your time to gamble.
• Talk to someone about your gambling
• Don’t borrow money
• Challenge thoughts about gambling
• Do something different, take a walk, see a movie or visit a friend