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Know someone whose gambling worries you?

Listen

The Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is underway and many will be thinking about having a bet this long weekend. Betting can feel harmless at first, but when it hooks you in, it can pull you away from what matters and start to cause harm before you realise. 

Gambling can impact more than the person who gambles. It can lead to financial pressure, stress and can put a strain on relationships. If you are concerned about someone close to you, starting a conversation with them can be an important first step towards their decision to seek help. Council has partnered with Gambler’s Help on some tips for how to talk about it.  

Preparing yourself

  • Let them know you’re available to talk when they’re ready
  • Choose a private place and a calm time without interruptions
  • If the conversation becomes aggressive, end it and try another time
  • Look after yourself and share your worries with someone you trust.
     

The conversation 

  • Explain that you’re asking because you care
  • Share what you’ve noticed, such as money troubles, increased stress or withdrawal from other activities
  • Without blaming, tell them how their gambling might be impacting others
  • Listen without judgement and give them time to respond
  • Get them to talk about what might be good about gambling less and offer to connect them with support.
     

Gambler’s Help provides:

  • free, professional, confidential counselling for people for whom gambling is an issue
  • counselling for the family and friends of people for who gambling is an issue
  • financial counselling to help people with gambling-related money problems
  • advice on self-exclusion programs and other support services.

Gambler’s Help
PH: 1800 858 858
https://gamblershelp.com.au/

Gambler’s Help Youthline
PH: 1800 262 376

If gambling is contributing to family violence or safety concerns, call
Tripple Zero if in immediate danger
PH: 000

1800 Respect
PH: 1800 737 732

Knox City Council is committed to preventing and minimising the health, social and economic harms associated with all forms of gambling in our community. This year, Council established a new Gambling Harm Prevention Policy and a new help card for people who are concerned about their own or someone else’s gambling.

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