What is gambling?
Gambling is risking money or something else of value on an outcome that is determined by chance. Gambling comes in lots of different forms and is not always easy to recognise because gambling is not just one product and can take place online or in person.
Although all gambling products carry a risk of harm, some forms are shown to carry a higher risk than others, such as online slots, fixed odds betting terminals and online sports betting.
What are the causes and impacts of gambling harm?
Gambling harms are the negative effects gambling can have a person. They are not just financial - they can affect any or every aspect of life: mental and physical health, relationships and work or study. The harms are not just experienced by the person gambling, but often those around them too.
Understanding what the effects can look like is a helpful first step to identify gambling harms. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include:
Feeling anxious a lot of the time or not sleeping and feeling restless
Not being able to take pleasure in ordinary things
Feeling suicidal or thinking about being absent from the world
Not being able to stop gambling, or thinking about gambling (despite wanting to)
Constantly needing to check devices
Worrying about money and / or debts
Feeling disconnected from people and situations
It is important to recognise that gambling harms happen to a person and that the person is not to blame for experiencing those harms. Gambling products are designed to keep people using them and are heavily promoted. Addictive products can rewire the brain, creating a dopamine-driven need to gamble.