Gambling Addiction – Recognising the Warning Signs
Before we look at some of the amazing free services and resources that have been provided lets take a look at some ways to enjoy the pokies in moderation and keep from going from Part-Time-Punter to Full-Time-Fuckwit – because trust me when I tell you that you’ll totally feel like one after you’ve spent your mortgage and kids school fees on a repetitive computer program chasing three pyramids and a Big Red Kangaroo! Yeah exactly, ya pelican!
The trick is to recognise the warning signs that perhaps your love for playing the pokies is more than that and perhaps your focus now is not so much on the process but on the outcome, because
“Addicts focus on the outcome and that potential big win. Everyone else just enjoys playing for playing’s sake”
There in lies the key and the major warning signs are as follows:
- You can no longer bet less than $1 or 2 each hit because “Heaven forbid you should get a feature on a piddly 1 2 or 5c credited line!?!”
- You no longer care if the game continues to play when you are not present – it is the outcome you are interested in after all.
- Your priority lies with the pokies – to the point that you will lie and cheat your way out of other commitments and avoid social situations when and where possible – mainly so you can go have a quick ‘poke’
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you need to seriously think about your gambling and ask yourself the hard questions – and answer truthfully!!
If you answered yes to all of the above then DAMNIT MAN – call 1800 858 858 NOW. You can thank me later 😉
Gambling Addiction. Don’t Underestimate it’s Sneakiness!
The moment you start playing real money pokies online you put yourself in the firing line of flashy lights, instant cash, and free stuff – all of which has been carefully and thoughtfully designed to keep you playing – because you may be winning now but the Casino knows that the longer you play the longer the odds stack in their favour.
The House always wins in the end, so don’t stay to the end basically 😉
This article here from HELPGUIDE.ORG is a great reference and resource for those affected by gambling and want more information about the warning signs and avoiding falling from part time player to full-time addict. Read the article by following the link:
Gambling Addiction – Warning Signs and How to Get Help
In all cases when playing pokies does involve money, we believe in and endorse responsible gaming on every level, From Federal all the way down to the rarest level of all – common sense and practicality – because sometimes these guys are all the stand between you and a serious gambling addiction. Some of the more common gambling responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Playing only in a safe, secure and supportive environment
Online casinos we endorse provide 24/7 support, and all of their software is certified. Making deposits and withdrawing the winnings is easy and straightforward. - Being informed and making informed decisions
We explain how pokies machines operate, what are the odds of winning, and other details to assist you in making informed decisions. - Playing only with the funds set aside for the purpose of gambling
We do not think that gambling with your lifetime savings is a good idea. Or with your college fund. Or your mortgage. - Prohibiting minors from gambling
Online casinos are to implement stringent age verification techniques to ensure that only people of the legal gambling age can participate in the activity. - Respecting privacy of the players
Online casinos are obliged to take due care to ensure the customer's rights to privacy. - Responsible promotions and advertising
All promotional materials by online casinos are to be presented truthfully and not in a false, deceptive or misleading way.
Actually, your odds are closer to 6.5million to one
Play Within Your Limits.
If you read that and you asked yourself what your limits are then take that as a sign – without limits there is no way of telling yourself when enough is enough, and unfortunately in nearly all cases this lack of self awareness is what leads them down the path to gambling addiction and all the social consequences that come with a pokie obsession. But there is plenty of gambling help available and although we will touch on that shortly, I think if we can combat the signs that lead to addiction in the first place then there’s a good chance we can make sure you never got bitten by the gambling bug in the first place and can maintain an enjoyable relationship with the pokies and gambling – like the majority of your fellow Australians.
Resources and Links | Gambling Help
The Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) is a free, confidential telephone help service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – across ALL OF AUSTRALIA
Is Gambling a problem for you or someone close to you? Here is a complete list of the best services, resources and help available to problem gamblers and their family located in Australia.
- The Australian Government has provided this Resource Kit for Family and Friends of someone affected by problem gambling.
It provides support and information on where and how to seek help, what to look out for and ways to protect themselves and their families. If you are concerned about the gambling habits of a loved one and want to hear first-hand experiences of this difficult journey, then follow the link and read on:
http://www.problemgambling.gov.au/resources/
Gambling Help New South Wales
- Gambling Help – a NSW Govt initiative provides this page for Problem Gamblers, their family and friends to access a range of services, professional support personnel and general resources that may help https://gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au/need-help/downloads-and-orders/
- Gambling Help Online provides a 24 hour 7 days a week Counselling, Information and Support service to problem Gamblers.
- What is great about GHO is they provide a Postcode box for you to FIND HELP NEAR YOU because (and I quote) “There is free face-to-face counselling in your area available for anyone affected by gambling problems” – and this is AUSTRALIA WIDE btw
Give them a call and take the first steps to beating this disease TODAY!–> http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Gambling Help Queensland
Queensland Gambling Help is provided via two support systems, the Gambling Helpline and the Gambling Help counselling service.
The Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) is a free, confidential telephone help service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Gambling Helpline offers immediate information and assistance over the phone, crisis support and referral to your closest Gambling Help service. These services are available for anyone affected by problem gambling, be it yourself, a partner, family member or friend. Calls to the Helpline are free from landlines, and won’t be listed on your phone bill (though may be listed on mobile phone bills).
For Gambling Help services in Queensland see this Queensland Government Support & Resource Page
Gambling Help Victoria
Responsible Gambling Foundation have provided one of the most resourceful and easy to navigate websites for anyone and everyone directly (or indirectly) affected by problem gambling. There is also a specific area for children affected by gambling – a sign that this social issue is getting worse before it gets better 🙁
You Can visit the website here –> http://www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/
Gambling Help South Australia
Problem Gambling SA is a government initiative and part of the national support service that exists under the 1800 858 858 Helpline support number
Visit them by following the link –>http://www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au/ or check out their Resources page for further reading and support
Gambling Help Western Australia
Gambling Help WA is a free service for people with gambling problems, their partners and families. It offers a supportive environment in which to talk about the impact that gambling has on their lives as well as the opportunity to learn new ways to manage behaviour. The services provided by Gambling Help WA include;
- Professional, confidential face-to-face counselling for people who have an issue with gambling
- Counselling for the family and friends of people with a gambling issue
- Financial counselling to help with gambling-related financial problems
- Community education and assistance to reduce the negative effects of gambling
Contact them directly on 1800 858 858 or visit them via the Gambling Help Online site here –>http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/accessing-support/find-support-in-your-state/western-australia/
Looking for more Gambling Help Resources in WA? Visit Centre Care’s resource page here–>http://www.centrecare.com.au/services/metropolitan-services-metro/gambling-help/
Gambling Help Darwin
Amity.org provide a range of community services to residents of Darwin and Gambling is definitely high on their priority list, providing an incredible range of resources and services across the greater majority of the Northern Territory. Visit their Available Help page for a range of services and take the first steps to beating the pokies today!! Visit Amity’s available help page here –>http://www.amity.org.au/our-services/gambling-services/gambling-other-info/gambling-available-help/
Problem Gambling Financial Counselling
Anglicare-NT offer a free and confidential specialised financial counselling service for clients experiencing financial difficulty as a result of problem gambling. –>http://www.anglicare-nt.org.au/service/problem-gambling-financial-counselling/