Is betting getting you hooked?
Betting can feel pretty harmless... at first.
Betting starts as a casual habit for most people. But before you realise, it can start to pull you away from the things that matter most in life such as work, study, relationships and key moments of social connection.
But let's be real. Betting is designed to hook you in.
With non-stop ads, personalised notifications, and offers of 'multis' and 'bonus' bets, betting can be hard to resist. And when betting gets you hooked, it can start to cause serious harm to your mental health, relationships and finances.
What can you do?
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The psychology behind getting hooked on betting
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Anastasia Hronis, explains how betting is designed to hook you in, and why it can be easy to miss the early signs of betting harm.
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Mario's story: Getting unhooked from betting
Betting didn't feel like a problem for Mario at first. But when he hit his early twenties, he knew he was developing a gambling problem. Talking to a Gambler's Help counselor was the best thing he ever did.
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Why online betting is more harmful than you might think
Online betting is riskier than most forms of gambling. Not only are you far more likely to lose more than you win, but betting can cause serious harm before you realise.
Learn moreFind support that suits you
Whether you just want to learn more about betting harm - or you're seriously concerned about your own or someone else's betting - there are many ways to get support.
- Talk to a real person who gets it
Our counsellors are experts in helping people just like you understand and overcome their gambling issues. Call 1800 858 858 for non-judgemental and confidential support. It's free and available 24/7. - Are you under 25?
Call our dedicated Gambler’s Help Youthline for a free and confidential chat anytime on 1800 262 376. - Get immediate help online
To email or chat live with a counsellor 24/7, visit Gambling Help Online. - Tools to help yourself
Self-help tools can help you build your confidence and work through your concerns in your own time, at your own pace.
- Financial counselling
Gambler’s Help Financial Counselling is a free and confidential service offered to people who are experiencing money problems due to gambling. - Help in your language
Gambler's Help provides counsellors who speak Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.
To request an interpreter for other languages, call 1800 858 858. - Peer support
Talk to people who have experienced betting harm and recovery. Learn more about our free Peer Connection programs. - Crisis support
If you are experiencing a personal crisis, call LifeLine on
13 11 14 for 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
Resources
Access the toolkit and resources for the Is betting getting you hooked? campaign, including videos, posters, digital display assets, social media content and key messages.