Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can be defined as any gambling behaviour that disrupts an individual's life or the lives of those around them (for example, their friends, family and loved ones).

What is Problem Gambling?

Most people who engage in gambling activities don't have a gambling problem. There are numerous forms of gambling, such as poker machines, lotteries, scratch cards, card games, gambling on races, betting on sports, online gambling, gambling apps, and the list goes on. Each year, 70% of Australians participate in some type of gambling which can be a fun and harmless social activity, but for some, gambling can quickly become an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences.

Problem gambling can happen to anyone from any walk of life and is referred to as an impulsive-control disorder. It is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. It means that you're willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. Problem gambling does NOT have to mean you are totally out of control; it is rather defined as a behaviour that disrupts your life, or the life of your loved ones.

Exactly what causes someone to gamble compulsively isn't well understood. Like many problems, compulsive gambling may result from a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. It is however known that gambling stimulates the brain's reward system much like drugs or alcohol can which leads to addiction. The Reward System consists of several brain areas working together to regulate individuals’ reactions towards or away from rewards. The brain areas involved in this system are also important for motivation, decision-making and learning.

The impacts of problem gambling can be far reached, and may possible lead you to engage in particular activities or exhibit behaviours that you never thought that you would such as:

For many, accepting that their gambling is becoming a problem can be difficult. A common reaction is to minimise, hide or deny gambling problems and the harm it could be causing. Some people might also actively lie to themselves or others about how much money or time is being spent on gambling.

Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers also typically deny or minimize the problem—even to themselves. You may have a gambling problem if you:

Although it may feel like you’re powerless to stop gambling, there are plenty of things you can do to overcome the problem, repair your relationships and finances, and finally regain control of your life. It’s NOT a sign of weakness to ask for help and it’s NEVER too late to make changes for the better!

Strategies to manage Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can occur in phases and can develop in a variety of ways.

The winning phase:

During the winning phase of gambling addiction, the player gets a taste of what it is like to make that easy money. It becomes easy to rationalise the idea of putting in more funds to continue the profitable streak.

The Losing phase:

The high of winning is almost guaranteed to be followed by the equal-and-opposite experience of a losing streak. By the time this inevitable phase occurs, those who have been swept away by the winning phase of the process may find themselves owing a large amount of money.

The Desperation phase: As the elusive winning streak continues to refuse to make another appearance, the ongoing loss of finances results in desperation. Rather than taking the cues from the deteriorating situation and cutting losses, the person addicted to gambling will double-down on efforts to win.

The Hopeless phase:

During this final phase, it has become apparent that there is no clear way out of the mess. The debts have piled up, the life savings are spent, and loved ones may have already separated themselves from the chaos. Those who descend into the hopeless phase of gambling addiction are likely to find themselves alone, and struggle to find an escape.

Recovery

Even after reaching the so-called hopeless phase, hope remains. It is important that those who have experienced a gambling addiction do not proceed to place all the blame for the situation on their own shoulders. Over time, the brain of someone who gambles excessively will become rewired to seek out the behaviour as something potentially gratifying.

Taking steps to get help to overcome gambling problems can help you regain control of your money, time, and life, and reduce the impacts on your mental health, family, and relationships:

Finding alternatives to gambling:

Problem Gambling and my studies

Problem gambling has been proven to affect students in a multitude of ways, including creating stress and conflict in interpersonal relations, financial difficulties, loss of time from work or school, and lower academic scores/achievements. These negative impacts on academic performance, caused by problem gambling can furthermore impact an individual's health and wellbeing. While studying, it is important to engage in self-care practices and learn how to combat gambling cravings to enhance your academic performance and achievements.

Self Help for gambling

Dealing with Gambling Cravings:

University Support

If problem gambling is creating barriers that may affect your study or you want support to optimise your study then the WSU Counselling Service, Disability Service, or Student Welfare Service may be able to help.

Students can access free, short term, confidential counselling services. Face to face, Zoom or telephone appointments can be made by telephoning 1300 668 370 or sending an email to counselling@westernsydney.edu.au. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm.

The Disability Service is free to access with Disability Advisors assisting students to meet their full potential. If you have a diagnosed physical, psychological or medical condition that impacts on your studies, you may be eligible for an Academic Reasonable Adjustment Plan (ARAP), developed by the Disability Service. Contact the Disability Service on 1300 668 370, email disability@westernsydney.edu.au or make contact via WesternNow.

For assistance regarding academic, personal and financial hardship, international support or accommodation, call 1300 668 370 or make contact via WesternNow.

Multifaith Chaplaincy can provide confidential conversation and care and support for stress management and anxiety with links to religious groups and faith communities. For more information, please call Daniel Jantos on 0402 771 543 or email d.jantos@westernsydney.edu.au.

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Consider applying for Disruption to Studies and Requests for Extension if you feel as though your studies have been significantly impacted.

Deferred Exam – You can apply for a Deferred Exam no later than 5:00pm on the second working day after your scheduled exam if you are unable to attend a final exam due to serious illness, misadventure or other exceptional circumstances beyond your control. Submit a Student Form and attach supporting documents online for application.

Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty is an option available after the Census Date of the teaching term provided that you meet eligibility.

A Leave of Absence is a temporary break from studying. Once you have completed one or more subjects in your enrolled program, you can apply for a Leave of Absence. A Leave of Absence can be taken as either six or twelve months. The maximum amount of leave you can take during your program is twelve months. Please note, you must submit your application before the relevant census date

If you are considering any of these options, please reach out to the counselling service for support and guidance. If you are an international student, please make sure you seek advice particularly if you are considering withdrawing without penalty or taking a leave of absence as these may have implications for your visa conditions.

Community Support

If you are really struggling during the night when completing assessments or feel most alone, contact Lifeline (24 hours crisis counselling) - 13 11 14 or,

Lifeline SMS Counselling Service - Between 6pm and midnight you can text 0477 13 11 14 and somebody will text you back!

This Mental Health Line is staffed by mental health professionals that can help and provide you advice about your needs and discuss referrals to local mental health services. It is available to everyone in NSW and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Be you – Beyond Blue: General information about building resilience and facing adversity.

The Gambling Treatment Clinic at the University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre is a free and confidential service for gamblers and their family members. The clinics are in discreet and easily accessible locations, and online and phone sessions for those who require it are now available. They offer hour-long sessions on a weekly basis, usually over a two-to-three-month period, depending on your needs. Call on 1800 482 482 for no cost and for confidential gambling treatment with a specialist psychologist. No referral is necessary, but you do need to make an appointment.

Podcasts

The Problem Gambling Podcast

This podcast explores issues surrounding problem gambling and problem gambling related harm. Podcast episodes include lived experiences of individual's who have dealt with problem gambling first hand and advice from qualified health professionals regarding the issues. Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Videos

Apps

Still struggling?

If you are still struggling, reach out to the WSU counselling team for support and advice. If you prefer to seek support from a service outside of the university, it may be helpful to speak to your General Practitioner regarding a Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist, or you can speak to a counsellor or other health professional. Remember you are not alone and there will always be someone out there who is willing to stay with you through your hard times.