Gambling should be a pleasurable experience; borrowing money to play, spending above your budget, using money allocated for other purposes or spending more and more time at the Casino can lead to more significant problems for yourself and your family.

Problem gamblers frequently don't realise they have a problem, or they are in denial and try to hide the extent of their gambling. Some may make up stories to explain away money shortages, absences and debt.

Warning signs of a problem with gambling can include:

• A preoccupation with gambling, felt as a strong, seemingly uncontrollable urge to gamble
• A need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to maintain the excitement
• Spending more money and/or time on gambling activities than originally intended
• Continuing to gamble to recoup losses
• Gambling whenever money is available
• Lying to family members, friends or employers to conceal involvement with gambling
• Feeling irritable or restless when attempting to stop or cut down
• Failing to reduce or stop gambling after repeated attempts
• Placing gambling as a priority above other previously important relationships and activities
• Risking significant relationships, family, job, educational or career opportunities because of gambling
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve financial pressure caused by gambling; and
• Committing illegal acts, such as fraud or theft, to finance gambling activities.

If you identify with one or two of these behaviours you may be 'at risk' of developing a problem with your gambling. Any more of the above indicators suggests your gambling may have become a problem and it would be beneficial to seek support with your gambling.

Common Beliefs in Problem Gamblers

Some people who develop gambling problems believe:

• If they continue gambling, they are bound to win soon
• If they continue gambling, they will win back what they lost
• That gambling is a solution to financial problems
• That gambling is the only immediate escape from their personal distress
• That the only way to stop 'urges to gamble' is to gamble; and
• That they are a 'problem gambler' and have no ability to alter their behaviour.

All of these beliefs are NOT TRUE.

Challenging These Beliefs

Challenging some of the above beliefs can be a helpful step toward altering your gambling behaviour. It may also be useful to consider other strategies that may help to challenge the role gambling has played in your life:

• Find someone you can trust to talk to about your problem
• Be honest with yourself and others
• Manage your money. You may want to ask someone you trust to handle your money for a period of time
• Change your habits and avoid going to the location where you gamble
• When you feel tempted to gamble, talk to someone; and
• Get professional help.