What is gambling harm
Traditionally, gambling is an activity where someone risks money or belongings. There is an element of randomness or chance involved and the purpose is to win.
The traditional methods that are categorised as gambling are:
- Gaming: including card games, fruit machines, video-draw poker machines, slot machines, two-up and casino games such as baccarat and roulette.
- Betting: including horse and greyhound races, football accumulators, other sporting events and elections.
- Lotteries: including lotteries, instant scratch cards, raffles and bingo.
- Speculation: gambling on business, insurance or stock markets.
Gambling harm
Gambling harm is known as gambling that is disruptive or damaging to an individual or their family or interferes with an individual’s daily life.
While harmful gambling itself doesn’t have physical symptoms, the negative effects can appear in many areas of life. These include:
- Reduced quality of life – having less money or free time
- Problems with your social life – avoiding seeing friends or going out
- Physical illnesses caused by spending more time gambling and less time being active, as well as potentially drinking more alcohol
- Financial problems – running up debts, and not having enough money for essentials
- Relationship problems and conflict at home – this can include arguments with family and friends, or conflict with your partner about financial difficulties
- Criminal activity – problem gambling doesn’t make you a criminal, but some people find themselves committing crimes to fund their gambling habit
- Unemployment or difficulties at work – if you gamble at work, or miss work due to gambling, it can lead to issues at work and potentially unemployment.