While many Australians have gambled at some point in their life, for some people gambling stops being fun and can become a problem for themselves and those close to them such as partners, family and friends.

 

Problem Gambling occurs when a person’s gambling causes harm to themselves and/or to those around them such as a partner, family, friends, or others in the community. When gambling begins to consume more money and time than a person can afford it can affect many parts of their lives, including physical and emotional health, finances, relationships, work and study.

 

Problem gambling affects a small percentage of the population, but it can have devastating effects on the individuals concerned, their families and the wider community.

 

It is estimated that there are at least 290,000 people in Australia with a gambling problem, and that for every one person with a gambling problem there are between 5 and 10 others who are negatively affected¹.  This equates to more than 2 million Australians being affected by problem gambling.