How to Stop Gambling Addiction

Date update: 16.10.2025

Beating any form of addiction is challenging. It demands time, consistency, and often the guidance of professionals. Gambling addiction is no different. In Australia, where pokies and online betting are highly accessible, the risk of developing harmful gambling habits is among the highest worldwide.

At thegreenstreetacademy.com, we believe that the first step toward recovery is awareness. This guide explains what gambling addiction is, why it can be harmful, and where Australians can turn for reliable support and resources.

What Is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction — sometimes called problem or compulsive gambling — is a behavioural disorder in which a person feels unable to resist gambling, even when it causes serious personal, financial, or social consequences.

Common warning signs include:

Thinking constantly about gambling or planning the next wager.
Repeated attempts to quit without success.
Chasing losses and falling into debt.
Hiding gambling behaviour from family or friends.
Raising bet amounts to maintain the same excitement.
Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.

Why It’s a Serious Problem

Gambling harm goes well beyond lost money. It can affect every part of life, including mental health, family relationships, and work.

Some of the most common consequences are:

Financial problems such as heavy debts, loss of savings, or selling personal belongings.
Emotional strain, including anxiety, depression, guilt, or shame.
Relationship issues such as conflict, lack of trust, or isolation.
Workplace and social difficulties, including poor performance or withdrawal from community life.

Where to Find Gambling Help in Australia

Fortunately, Australia has a strong network of services that are free, confidential, and available 24/7 for those dealing with gambling-related issues.

National & State Support

Gambling Help Online – gamblinghelponline.org.au – 24/7 chat and phone counselling.
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation – responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au – Awareness campaigns, prevention programs, and helplines (1800 858 858).

Crisis & Mental Health Services

Lifeline Australia – lifeline.org.au – 24/7 crisis support (13 11 14).
Relationships Australia – relationships.org.au – Counselling for families affected by gambling (1300 364 277).

Financial Counselling

The Salvation Army MoneyCare – salvationarmy.org.au – Free debt counselling and budgeting help (13 72 58).

Practical Steps to Regain Control

While professional treatment is often essential, adopting self-help strategies can also support recovery:

Recognise the problem – Admitting it is the first and most important step.
Restrict access – Use self-exclusion tools, remove gambling apps, and block betting sites.
Manage finances – Allow a trusted person to oversee money or set strict spending limits.
Find alternatives – Replace gambling with positive activities such as sports, hobbies, or social events.
Seek peer support – Join groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which offer shared experiences and accountability.

International Resources

For extra global support, the following organisations provide valuable tools and assistance:

GambleAware – gambleaware.org – Offers guides, advice, and self-assessment tools.
Responsible Gambling Council – responsiblegambling.org – Education and prevention programs.
Gambling Therapy – gamblingtherapy.org – Free multilingual online counselling and forums.

Reviewed and Verified by Experts

This page on thegreenstreetacademy.com has been created and fact-checked by specialists with extensive experience in the Australian gambling industry. Our editorial team uses evidence-based sources, consults official regulators such as the ACMA, and regularly updates content to reflect current laws and responsible gambling practices.

The information provided is designed to help Australian players make safe, informed, and responsible choices when it comes to gambling. While we strive for accuracy and transparency, we also encourage readers to seek professional support if they believe gambling has become a problem.