Many people experiencing gambling harm may present with other health problems. It is common for people struggling with gambling to experience headaches, anxiety, depression, and poor sleep.

Red flags in that could indicate gambling harm during a primary health consultation are:

• High prevalence mental health problems
• Suicidal ideation
• Relationship or work problems
• Substance use disorders
• Past traumas
• General health issues
• Domestic violence

There are several ways to start the conversation around gambling

You could:

• Explore how your patient may spend their free time before drawing in to specific questions around gambling behaviour.
• Enquire "in the last year, how many times have you bet more than you can afford?"
• Explore if people may have been affected by the gambling of others

If people start to talk about their gambling, they can be distressed and experience shame and guilt. After their initial disclosure it is important not to focus on taking a detailed history of harms. Focus on the reason why the person sought help and use this window of opportunity to give them hope so they continue seeking help.

Risk assessment

A risk assessment is important to inform whether the client needs urgent support. Clinicians should note that if a client relapses, their risk can change rapidly. gambling minds is not an acute service so if your client requires urgent assistance please connect them with their local area mental health service.  

View a list of services providing crisis mental health support

Treatment & support services

Psychological and social interventions are the first line treatments for gambling problems.

Gambler’s Help services are funded through the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. They offer free and confidential therapeutic and financial counselling to anyone experiencing gambling related harm – including family or friends. They are trained counsellors and psychologists who specialise in the treatment of gambling problems and offer counselling.

For people with co-existing mental health and gambling harms, gambling minds can provide assessment, treatment recommendations and linkages to assist in the management of both the mental health issues and gambling harms. Find out more about our services.

While awaiting assessment with gambling minds, clients should be advised

• To try and avoid trigger situations
• That while urges are uncomfortable, they pass
• To identify other adaptive coping strategies that offer behavioral activation, distraction or soothing functions
• That there is hope for recovery