Could it be gambling?

It seems barely a day goes by lately without disturbing media reports of record pokies losses or controversial casino practices, and children are continuously exposed to saturation levels of sports betting advertising.

These extremes are newsworthy stories about which we are right to be concerned, but the negative effects of gambling can be more subtle. So subtle, in fact, that those affected sometimes don’t make the connection between how they are feeling or behaving and their gambling activities.

Are you feeling anxious or stressed? Do you have an underlying sense of regret about money lost or time spent gambling? Perhaps you’re having difficulty concentrating or sleeping.

Or maybe you’re more irritable or short-tempered than usual. 

While these signs of gambling harm may seem relatively minor, they can build up over time, which is why Victorians are being encouraged during this year’s Gambling Harm

Awareness Week (October 17–23) to pause and consider whether gambling could be affecting their wellbeing.

For more information, visit effectsofgambling.com.au.

Shane Lucas, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation