careernav.

By Careernav in collaboration with Aust Gambling Research

Australia has often been represented as a nation of gamblers. From gaming machines, lotteries and casinos, to racetracks, sweeps, and the Tote, gambling is a distinctive part of Australian life. Some people only participate once a year in a Melbourne Cup sweep every November, while others visit the pokies almost every night.

Here are some facts on gambling, supplied by the Australasian Gambling Review:

• Australians were estimated to have lost $17.57 billion on gambling in the 2005-2006 financial year. This represents a net amount of $1,223 for every citizen aged 18 years or older.
• Approximately 60% of Australian gambling revenue is gained from gaming machines located outside casinos.
• Gambling-related problems are significantly higher in young adults aged 18 to 30.
• Students who are involved in gambling are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as alcohol, smoking, drugs, and be less interested at school.
• The most popular gambling activities among young people tend to be lotteries, betting on races or sporting matches, and card games.

Why do we do it?

There are many reasons why people gamble. These can be positive and harmless, or more serious and destructive.

Reasons why people gamble:

• Excitement and to win money
• Entertainment and social reasons
• Forget your troubles and escape issues
• Avoid people
• Try to win just one more time
• Thrill of a chance
• Habit

Gambling can be an enjoyable way to pass the time with friends. A poker game at the kitchen table is a common way to spend a Friday night. It’s enjoyable, and you may even win a bit of change. However, when you find yourself gambling more money that you can afford, your gambling has become a problem. It can be difficult to recognise the fact that you are no longer in control of gambling: that is has turned into an addiction.

So how can you tell when your gambling is an issue?

These are some signs that might mean you have a problem gambling. Do you:

• Gamble to avoid dealing with troubles or disappointments
• Lie about gambling, or keep it a secret
• Skip work or study to gamble
• Think about gambling every day
• Spending less time with family and friends than the time spent gambling
• Borrow money to gamble
• Gamble to win money, not just for fun
• Argue with loved ones about gambling
• Don’t pay the bills because you’re using the money on gambling
• Try to quit gambling, but just can’t do it

If gambling does turn into an addiction, there are many possible consequences for the gambler, and those around them. Each case is different, and so depending on the severity of the addiction, the consequences include:

• Feelings of agitation, anxiety or depression
• Financial hardship or bankruptcy
• Relationship or family breakdown
• Legal difficulties
• Job loss
• Feelings of despair, dread, and worthlessness
• Possible self-harm
• Criminal activity and potential imprisonment

As well as impacting on friends or family by:

• Feeling pressure to lend money
• Having loans dishonoured
• Worrying about the gambler’s well being and future
• Feeling disconnected from the gambler’s life
• Feelings of anxiety and depression, often due to financial crisis

Gambling can be a social experience, easy to let go once the gathering is over. However, for some, it can turn into a serious problem which can be detrimental to their life, and the lives of those around them.

For more information on gambling, visit these websites:

www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au

www.justice.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/DOJ+Internet/Home/Gambling+and+Racing